EU wants jet skis to be less noisy

Motor boats and jet skis, which crowd popular bays in summer, have to be designed to be more silent and pollute less under proposals tabled in Brussels.

The European Commission is seeking stricter limits on the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons and particulate matter from recreational craft. It pointed out that NOx concentrations could be significant around attractive sea shores and big lakes as a result of the heavy use of pleasure boats. About six million motor boats, sailing boats and jet skis are estimated to be in use across the EU, particularly in the warmer southern member states. Under the proposals, new propulsion engines will have to be designed and constructed to produce 20 per cent less hydrocarbons and NOx emissions and 34 per cent less particulate matter. At the same time, however, CO (carbon) limits will be slightly relaxed to ensure that compliance costs for the industry remain balanced.

As for noise, certain types of inboard or stern drive engines will now need to be designed to limit their noise emissions, which should not exceed the value of 67 of maximum sound pressure. New safety regulations are also being envisaged. It must be ensured that new habitable multihull craft cannot invert or must have sufficient buoyancy to remain afloat in the inverted position. In order to protect the marine environment, holding tanks will have to be installed in watercraft fitted with toilets.

The proposed rules will have to be agreed by the 27 member states and the European Parliament.