As the weather (slowly) cools down and more visitors flock to Qatar’s coastline, the Ministry of Interior has issued a reminder about the proper use of jet skis and scooters.

In recent years, jet skiing has become popular in the waters around the Pearl-Qatar and near Katara Beach.

But previous issues with noise and harassment spurred the Coastguard to crack down on users.

This week, the MOI’s General Administration of Coasts and Borders Security has warned residents to stick to the revised rules.

User guidelines

All scooters and skis must be registered with the Ministry of Transport, and must clearly display their registration number on the front and rear.

Life jackets should be worn at all times and the ignition key should be attached to the driver’s wrist, the MOI said on Facebook.

Additionally, jet skis must have functioning navigation lights – green on the right, red on the left and white on the back.

And all craft should stay away from demarcated swimming, diving and beach areas, restricted zones and areas that are marked off for marine events.

Other requirements include:

• Users must keep away from shorelines by hotels and private property;
• Swimmers should not do airborne stunts using jet skis or scooters; and
• The craft should not be used by children and inexperienced handlers.

Residents of the Pearl-Qatar have in the past complained about problems with jet skis, as some people came in close to beaches and were noisy around the island’s waterways in early mornings and late at night.

This prompted the management firm UDC to pledge a crackdown on violators.

In 2014, the Coast Guard also said it would be patrolling the waters and those found breaking the rules would have their jet skis seized and action taken against them.

Thoughts?