The long-awaited legislation to deal with the dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis will come into force on March 31 when the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will be granted more powers to prosecute perpetrators of accidents.

The new law will come into force before the busy summer period and watercraft users will be bound by the same laws that apply to ships in order to prevent accidents.

This follows a boom in the watercraft industry during the pandemic, with the number, size, power and availability of watercraft like jet skis increasing, and their use in UK waters rising significantly.

Top of the range jet skis can cost above £20,000 and have a top speed of 70 knots.

Anyone riding a jet ski or any other watercraft recklessly or causing harm to others could now face up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine, thanks to a change in the law.

Falmouth Harbour Master Captain Duncan Paul said: “Falmouth Harbour welcomes the new law, to regulate the safe operation of personal watercraft, as it introduces a definition for watercraft which applies to any craft capable of moving under its own mechanical power.

"This clarifies the application of Harbour Directions to cover watercraft as defined in the act.

"We hope the new law will reduce accidents on the water, something we clearly welcome.

"It is worth noting that lesser offences will still normally be pursued through local Harbour legislation and bye-laws.

"This makes our updated Harbour Revision Order that we aim to introduce this year, a critical further step to keep Harbour users safe.

"In the meantime, though we appreciate the majority of water users act responsibly we do hope that this will result in change in behaviours, and we hope the new law will act as a deterrent to those who might otherwise use watercraft in a reckless manner and will reduce accidents on the water.”

Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said: The watercraft industry is thriving and it’s great to see more and more people enjoying leisure activities. However, they must do so safely."

Watercraft are not currently covered by wider maritime safety legislation. The new law will mean those found guilty of using their watercraft in a dangerous manner could receive an unlimited fine and/or up to two years in prison.

For those who cause accidents involving loss of life, the new offences could be used to better prosecute perpetrators alongside wider manslaughter charges.

Personal and recreational watercraft will also be bound by the ‘Highway Code of the sea’ – international regulations which require users to act safely by maintaining a lookout, driving at safe speeds and outlining their responsibilities to other vessels.”

Falmouth has seen three serious boating accidents in the past 20 years, including one fatality off St Mawes, and a jet ski collision with a bunkering tanker in 2001, when two women on a jet ski ploughed into an anchored tanker - resulting in one being knocked unconscious and the other suffering a broken nose and back injuries. The jet ski was a powerful 700 cc Yamaha.

The fatal collision occurred in near darkness on July 16, 2005, just off Castle Point, St Mawes as one boat, doing 25 knots, was returning to Falmouth from St Mawes and was involved in a collision with another coming from Falmouth. The man helming the Dory - a small 12-foot flat-bottomed fishing boat - died instantly.

The third incident was also a jet ski crash.