Kayakers urged to register their crafts

Monday 10 July 2017

Jersey Coastguard are appealing for islanders to register their kayaks after one was found east of Gorey without anyone on board this weekend.

As the grey sit-on-top kayak wasn't registered and had no identifying markings, it took the Coastguard three hours to eventually find its owner safe and well.

The Coastguard took to social media to urge owners of small vessels to register with them for free through the 'Coastguard Safety Identification Scheme' (C-SIS).

Crafts which can be registered with the C-SIS include canoes, kayaks, kite surfboards, rowing boats, sailing dinghies, stand up paddleboards, surfboards, tenders or any other vessel under 3 meters with a speed less than 12 knots.

Posting on Facebook, the Coastguard commented on the problem posed by unregistered vessels: "It can be difficult for the Coastguard to locate the owners of these crafts if they're lost and come ashore or are found adrift along our coastline, sometimes resulting in the unnecessary launching of the emergency services."

The Coastguard also thanked everyone who shared their "urgent" appeals for information when the kayak was first found. The posts were shared over 1,000 times.

To register your craft, click here.