Compulsory life jackets on small craft and registration of jet skis are two measures being considered for inclusion in the new boating rules for the Bay of Plenty region.

The Navigation Safety Bylaw, which sets rules to ensure the different boating activities can co-exist safely, opened for submissions today following six months of engagement.

Regional Council is looking at jet ski registation as part of new boating rules for the region. File photo.

Region Council senior planner Shawn Baker says more than 300 people gave feedback as part of the early engagement phase of the navigation safety bylaw review.

He says these insights enabled regional council planners to identify significant issues and make changes to the new proposed bylaw accordingly.

'The majority of clauses from the existing Bylaw have been carried through but there are a number of key changes proposed too.

'This includes changes to the rules around lifejackets and a proposal to make the registration of personal water craft compulsory. We really appreciate the time people took to let us know what navigational safety issues are important to them.”

Thousands of people use the region's harbours, lakes and rivers for a wide range of activities every day, and the review gives the regional council the opportunity to take a closer look at what's working well and what needs to be refined in the existing bylaw, says Shawn.

Key changes proposed are:

• Lifejackets to be worn at all times on vessels 6m or under and making way - unless the skipper advises otherwise
• Rules around navigating near large vessels
• Proposal to make registration of personal watercraft (jet skis) compulsory
• Definitions for passive recreation area and non-water sports area refined and added
• Changes to some reserved areas e.g. Hunters Creek

Any person or organisation can make a submission on any part of the proposed Navigation Safety Bylaw. Submission forms and more information can be found online.

Forms can be collected from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Rotorua, Whakatane, Tauranga or Mount Maunganui offices.

Hard copies of the proposed bylaw can be obtained by phoning 0800 884 880.

Submissions are open until 5pm on Thursday, July 7.