Water taxi requirements

(1) Subject to regulation 5, an operator shall not operate a vessel as a water taxi unless– (a) there is a safety management and emergency response plan for the vessel, that is approved by the Ports Commissioner; (b) the vessel is equipped with safety and communication equipment as specified in the sea worthiness certificate issued to the (c) the vessel has as a minimum, two functional engines; (d) the maneuverability of the vessel allows it to be able to berth at landing places efficiently and without risk of damage; (e) one person, single-handed operation is possible; 120 (f) the operator keeps a maintenance log of the water taxi in the manner specified by the Ports (g) adequate space is provided for personal effects of passengers; (h) the vessel consists of a rugged and stable hull so as to be suitable for all weather conditions; (i) the vessel provides adequate protection from sun and rain; (j) the vessel provides protection from injury or water; and (k) the vessel complies with the SCV Code, if it is a vessel that operates in exposed waters with a capacity of 12 or more passengers. (2) An operator shall ensure that the water taxi has hull and superstructure that conform to the colour scheme approved by the Ports Commissioner, in addition to any other required markings. (3) An operator shall ensure that a vessel, that is used as a water taxi to ports or other landing places in the Republics of Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, or Nicaragua, or operates in exposed waters, is in conformity with the SCV Code. (4) An operator shall ensure that a vessel with a capacity of 12 or more passengers, contains a VHF radio duly registered with the Public Utilities Commission established under section 3 of the Public Utilities Commission Act and which is capable of communicating on VHF Channel 16.