Water police want all small crafts registered

ALL small craft in maritime provinces must be registered in accordance with the provisions of the Small Craft Act, says water police director Chief Supt Trevor Lapu.
Chief Supt Lapu said it was important to be registered because this would ensure that boats were checked, met all necessary safety standards and were seaworthy.
He said registered small crafts needed to have equipment such as lifejackets, paddles, waterproof torch and a spare battery, stainless mirror, an anchor with a rope, bucket, tools and spare parts, a whistle and extra food and drinking water.
Chief Supt Lapu said this was to ensure the safety of those on board when out at sea.
He said any owner or captain of a small craft who failed to comply would be fined an amount not exceeding K1,000 and faced a prison term of not more than three months, or both. He encouraged all owners to start registering their boats.
Chief Supt Lapu said all maritime provinces had a registrar where owners could register their boats.