Jet Ski Registration Numbers - legislation etc

[Hurricane]

I'm going to be taking a Jet Ski down to the Med.
It will be kept on the back of the boat and, in effect, will be a tender.
I have been told by my insurer that it should be labelled "T/T" like our current tender.

The Jet Ski is second hand and already has large 2" high registration numbers on either side of the bow.
This seems usual - I believe that the registration number is generated by Datatag.
I have already changed the Datatag registration into my own name but these numbers look awful
I believe that the main reason for the number is to locate stolen equipment but it seems that harbour masters etc are using these numbers to identify the craft.

I can't find any legislation that mandates that these numbers should be displayed.
Actually, I'm concerned that some authorities might regard these numbers as individual registrations where, in fact, the Jet Ski is covered under the main boat's Part 1 registration.
I don't want to introduce extra confusion to what is already a complex subject.

My thought is to remove these numbers - the space left would be ideal position for "t/t Jennywren" lettering.

What do people think?
Or maybe I've missed some legislation.

 

[Portofino]

I was a Jet Skier way back in the eary 90,s raced from Marsielle to St Tropez and back once -
In the UK I think it's voluntary ( data tag and reg No ) but you will find it diff to insure without .
The No display mostly required by " authorities " like councils if you want to launch -guess its to ID " naughty boys" .
In Spain I would guess same reason they would like No,s displayed -catch "naughty boys" in public areas like ports / bays etc .
Ask around or look at what everybody else does ?
On a more important note -Al engines components + seawater = short life span !
Do after every " ride" conect up a fresh water line to flush the engine when it's back on the platform .
Also familiarise yourself + correct tools + manpower to tip it over on its side --to remove the grate under the impeller inlet -to clear debris - wraps round the impeller .Obviously replace the guard.
Kill cord -goes without saying
Impact vest -yup come off at anything over 40 mph -like hitting concrete -Knock yourself out -really I have been rendered unconscious .
Have FUN

 

[Solitaire]

Mike, I can't give you a clear answer as to the data tag in Europe, but I would not remove it! However do check your ICC to ensure you have the PWC endorsement. The powers that be over there can be be very "edgy" if you don't have the correct paperwork. Interestingly that you can get an ICC endorsement for PWC if you have done a PB 2, but it is not automatic on Day Skipper and above.

 

[jfm]

Definitely remove the letters. 1000s of boats with jetski tenders do not bother with data tag. It's obviously handy if you keep the jetski on your driveway in Brighton, which is what data tag is for, but not for a tender. (Frankly, after a while, it's a bit of a blessing when they get nicked anyhow and you will want the insurance money not the sodding thing back! )

Data tag is just a voluntary scheme like Tracker on your car. No legislation.

When I put the jetski on match 1 in readiness for sale no one batted an eyelid. It was covered on the mother ships instance obviously

I'd agree what David says though. The authorities, in the French med at least, do check you have the new pwc ticket. Nearly all the big charter boats have one of their crew qualified as instructor so the charter guests can do the course and get ticketed on day 1 of the holiday. For your kids they can do the course in the med but you will have to be careful with occasional guests

 

[Hurricane]

David
Thanks - My ICC already has a PWC endorsement.
Presumably from my days as a rescue coxswain at the sailing club.
We used to run our own power boat courses.
Level 2 but most people went on to Level 4 (which I believe is now called "Safety Boat")
I'm probably out of date - I'm sure you will know the standard that I'm talking about.

Portofino
Thanks - yes I understand that these things have to be treated with care - both from a safety and storage perspective.
I understand that this one is good for 70mph.
I bought this Ski from a friend who posts on here sometimes so I know its history.
Just before Christmas, I took it back to its original Seadoo stockist/engineer for a complete overhaul.
There's some history behind these Seadoo RXT models.
In the early days, the superchargers used to shed ceramic washers and damage the whole engine.
The supercharger is driven off the engine flywheel and these ceramic washers are clamped together on the shaft to work like "clutches" when the load on the engine changes significantly (wave jumping etc)
This particulat Jetski had its ceramic washers changed for titanium when it was very new.
Seadoo put a life of about 100 hours on the modified titanium washers.
I chose to have the whole supercharger stripped down and rebuilt with a completely new current Seadoo kit with an expected rebuild life of 200 hours.
When it is out in Spain, I will probably do my own basic servicing so it was useful to talk to this Seadoo agent and get his advice - I also bought some spares from him.
As far as storage is concerned, this model of Jetski has a pipe connected to the air inlet side of the throttle.
After use and flushing you give it a good 3 or 4 second blast from an aerosol lube.
I will, obviously, be giving all the components a good squirt of lube in an attempt to keep the sea air from clogging/rusting them.
Over the last few years, we have managed to keep our outboard in good condition so maybe with similar TLC this will last as well.

JFM
Thanks for that - you have confirmed what I thought.
In fact, I think that these extra numbers could cause local Spanish authorities more confusion that is necessary.
t/t Jennywren after all is easier for most people to understand and (in an event of "naughtiness") probably easier to find us than a Datatag number.
Insurance was easy - just added it to the boat's insurance.
Actually, when you think about it, and in the big scheme of things, it isn't a vast sum of money.
The whole thing including all that extra servicing comes to less than a tank of fuel for the main boat.
My biggest concern is that if it is unreliable, will it cause more hassle than it's worth.
Remember all my comments about JetRibs!!! - being unreliable.
And what have I just done - effectively don just that!!
I wouldn't give up our standard configuration (outboard driven) dinghy though as it is reliable and easy to maintain - and carries 4 adults - and shopping etc.

BTW - I've never been asked for my boating qualifications - I have a Yachtmaster qualification but it seems that outside of the UK nobody knows what it is.