A non regulated approach to PW management through voluntary measures and education can be equally effective in certain areas. Those whose coastlines are free from pressure spots and problem areas or where regulation of access is impracticable may find it easier to adopt a scheme which does not rely primarily on compliance with conditions or on-water regulations.

This may also be preferable for authorities who do not have sufficient resources, either to implement a formal scheme or to police and enforce offenders. However, voluntary measures are only as effective as the willingness of users to support the measures, which in turn depend on the benefits expected from the voluntary measures or conversely the likely cost. Whilst their role is sometimes limited, particularly when it comes to dealing with more significant management issues, they are able to secure initial support in solutions where a statutory approach would have caused significant resentment for little additional gain.

Informal measures available to authorities include:

Good signage and information

Good quality site based information needs to be provided to raise awareness of local regulations and sensitivities. Information needs to be well presented, clearly written and effectively distributed.

Users often travel considerable distances to the coast, therefore signs are particularly useful at launch sites without regular staff. As PW users are unlikely to be the only site users, information should be integrated with other safety and environmental information. Ideally one informative sign is required per launch point.

When regulating activity and promoting good practice, clarity and consistency are key factors to consider. Clarity is fairly achievable, consistency less so. There are a number of different systems of conventional signs for water recreation and no consensus as to which is the most appropriate for the coastal zone.

The first system is the ROSPA Water Safety Range, which follows the well established shapes, colours and general logic of road traffic signs.

The second is the CEVNI Rules, developed for regulation of inland water transport in Europe. The system is not mandatory in the UK, although the Environment Agency now uses its signs for regulating navigation on those UK rivers for which the Agency is the navigation authority.

Whichever system is implemented, a coastal authority should ensure consistency across all sites within its management.

Zoned water areas are marked by laying buoys at suitable intervals, to ensure users understand their significance and zoning buoys cannot be confused with buoys or markers laid to assist navigation. These should be reinforced by signage at the launch points and be made clear for who the zones apply and how they should be used. Buoys should also be consistent with International Collision Regulation standards, liaison with regional MCA offices will provide advice on this area.

Consistency can also be achieved through liaison and consultation with neighbouring authorities.

Publicity

Good publicity is essential to give advanced warning of a new scheme, to notify changes to existing procedures and to explain the operation of seasonal regulations.

This can be achieved through:

• notices and leaflets at launch points
• local media
• local retailers of PWs and equipment
• national magazines (both those for PW enthusiasts and those for the more general reader)
• clubs and national membership organisations.

Authorities should identify the target audience through the consultation process and identify the most appropriate form of publication and promotion relevant to the user.

Distribution of material direct to the user population can be achieved through the club/association structure but also distribution of material through mailshots to registered users or circulation at access points.

Examples of user information include:

• Code of Conduct for non regulated pleasure vessels available from the MCA
• Safety Guidelines for Personal Watercraft Users, one of the Safety on the Sea range produced by the RNLI Sea Safety Liaison Working Group.

Self regulation through the club structure

Daedalus slipway in Lee-on-the-Solent is recognised as one of the most popular launch sites for PWs on the South Coast. Peer pressure and advice from fellow skiers has proven successful with a small number of users still disregarding or unaware of the regulations. The Solent Skiers Association was set up in 2002 by a group of local PW owners to give a collective voice to the responsible users and to address a number of issues, including safety, noise, enforcement of rogue users, management of the launch site and to organise social events and use.

The Association formally approached the local authorities with a set of proposals on how to tackle the issues and enforce responsible behaviour. The result was the introduction of ‘Rangers’, mostly club members (volunteers) who would be insured by the council to help provide help and advice on the water.

This approach has been highly successful and the club numbers are increasing steadily, this is also a low cost and minimal resource requirements as the Ranger network is made up of informed volunteers from the Association. It is also a very good example of an area frequented by local regular users who have used peer pressure and Local Authority support to manage irresponsible users.