The number of accidents involving so-called pleasure boats, or water vessels used for entertainment such as motorboats, jut skis and other small boats, has seen a marked increase corresponding to their increase in popularity amid the coronavirus crisis.
Over the past two years, over 1,000 such vessels have been involved in accidents, making the "pleasure boat" category account for 60% of the total accidents involving vessels in general. In 2020, 1,172 pleasure boats were involved in accidents, including breaking down and being unable to move while sailing, an increase of 154 from the previous year.
On May 4, during this year's Golden Week holidays, a pleasure boat capsized off the coast of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, and one of the fishers went missing.
The Japan Coast Guard has recently launched a website dedicated to increased safety awareness while taking part in water activities as their allure of avoiding closed spaces, crowded spaces and close-contact settings have drawn the attention of many. Of the 1,172 accidents in 2020, 419 involved vessels that had suffered motor or other mechanical failures, most of which the coast guard believes could have been prevented with proper periodic inspections.
While accidents involving vessels for entertainment have been on the rise, the number of accidents involving other types of vessels, such as fishing boats and cargo ships has been on the decline.
Over the past few years, just under 60,000 people a year obtained licenses for small vessels with a gross tonnage of less than 20 tons. Last year, however, that figure soared to about 69,000, according to the Japan Marine Industry Association.
Lightweight miniature boats, which do not require a license, are also gaining popularity among those who enjoy fishing.
The amount of domestically shipped outboard motors with an output of less than 1.5 kilowatts used for mini boats is increasing every year.
The association believes that "the coronavirus crisis has motivated more and more people to either take up or restart marine activities."
Out of concern for the increase in boating accidents caused by poor maintenance and unfamiliarity with the sea, the coast guard has revamped its Water Safety Guide, a safety information website for marine recreation. A mobile version of the website was also launched, making it easier to learn how to do preliminary inspections for watercraft and canoes.
In the website's mini boat section, guidance on marine traffic rules is given as well as suggestions such as those aboard should wear vivid colored clothing to help prevent collisions with other boats.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
