**Jet Ski Crash Probe Turns to Licensing and Rental Rules After Two Seriously Injured**
Investigations are underway following a serious jet ski collision in the Famagusta district on Saturday, which left a man in critical condition and his seven-year-old daughter seriously injured. The incident involved a 17-year-old operating a jet ski that collided with a towable inflatable carrying five individuals.
Kyriakos Aliouris, an official from the deputy ministry of shipping, provided insights into the ongoing investigation, which is currently in its preliminary stages. According to Aliouris, the jet ski, classified as a Category B vessel, was initially being operated by an 18-year-old before the 17-year-old took control. Under current regulations, a learner’s license holder, such as the 17-year-old, is required to be accompanied by an individual over the age of 18 who possesses the appropriate license for the vessel type.
The inflatable, involved in the collision, was carrying five people at the time, including two adult men aged 48 and 43, as well as three children aged 13, 11, and 7. The 48-year-old father sustained critical injuries, while his daughter suffered a skull fracture and was transferred to Makarios hospital in Nicosia. She is currently reported to be in serious but stable condition.
The incident has raised questions about the licensing and rental regulations governing personal watercraft in Cyprus. Under the Recreational Navigation in the Republic and Other Related Matters Law of 2026, which was enacted earlier this year, individuals can obtain a learner’s operator license at the age of 17. However, to acquire a full operator license, individuals must be at least 18 years old, complete approved training, and pass examinations.
The law permits learner operators to navigate vessels as long as they are accompanied by a licensed individual. Additionally, it includes provisions allowing individuals without an operator’s license to operate certain Category B rental vessels, including personal watercraft, under specific conditions. For instance, Article 27 of the law allows unlicensed individuals to operate Category B personal watercraft offered for hire by water sports businesses for limited geographical and time-bound trips, provided the vessels adhere to prescribed power and speed limits.
Aliouris explained that both tourists and locals must sign a binding declaration before renting such vessels. This declaration, co-signed by the renter and the vessel owner, confirms that training has been provided prior to the rental. The law mandates that if a Category B vessel is operated by someone without an operator’s or learner’s license, they must carry the binding declaration as outlined in the relevant regulations. Water sports businesses are also obligated to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements before renting out vessels.
The investigation is delving into various aspects surrounding the incident, including the rental circumstances, the training provided, the documentation signed, and how the jet ski came to be operated by the 17-year-old. Aliouris clarified that the towable inflatable involved in the collision was under the responsibility of the water sports company, which is also classified as a Category B vessel.
Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos confirmed that the Paralimni police station is examining all facets of the case to determine if any offenses were committed. The collision occurred when the jet ski, with the 17-year-old driver and the 18-year-old passenger, collided with the inflatable, commonly referred to as a “sofa.”
The 2026 legislation also introduces potential liability for vessel owners or their representatives if they allow a vessel to be used in a manner that constitutes an offense, unless they can prove they were unaware of any wrongdoing and that it did not result from their actions or negligence.
As of now, no conclusion has been reached regarding whether an offense was committed during Saturday’s incident, and both the police and the deputy ministry continue their investigations. The outcome of these inquiries may lead to changes in the regulations governing the rental and operation of jet skis and other personal watercraft in Cyprus, as authorities seek to enhance safety measures in light of this serious incident.