Jet ski renters in Sharjah should not pay for any damage, say authorities

Rental companies must ensure that their jet skis are covered by insurance, according to a new regulation.

Jet ski rental companies are not allowed to hold customers' passports and ID cards during their ride, Sharjah authorities have said as they ramped up inspections. Requiring riders to pay for any damage is also prohibited, according to a recent decision issued by the Sharjah Executive Council. 
The Sharjah Police and Municipality have tightened control on jet ski rental outlets following a number of complaints about the ID requirements. Some customers said they were asked to leave their passports or Emirates ID so they could be obliged to pay for repairs in case of any damage on the jet ski.  
"The customer must not pay compensation against any damage because these jet skis must be covered by insurance, according to the regulations issued by the Sharjah Executive Council. The companies don't have the right to seize passports or identity cards. This practice is illegal," authorities said.  
Heightened inspections, to be held in coordination with the Sharjah Economic Development Department, will make sure that these companies are abiding by the rules, a top police official said. 
The team would study and analyse the records of jet ski rental companies, especially those that were involved in several complaints. 
"The authorities would identify the problem and then find a solution for both parties," the official added. "We will set conditions, controls, monitoring, and follow-up to organise the operation of these companies, especially during this period of the year where the number of tourists is on the rise."
Khalid bin Falah Al Suwaidi, assistant director-general of the Sharjah Municipality for Customer Service, said the civic body has a specific office primarily dedicated to monitoring these companies' activities. 
"This office had been working on a solution for the large number of complaints filed against these rental companies. One of the most recurring problems is the offices' refusal to receive the jet ski after a customer returns it because of a damage. Customers complain that the vehicle they rented was previously damaged, and then 10 minutes into the ride, it broke down," Al Suwaidi said. 
The recently issued decision of the Sharjah Executive Council aimed to address these concerns and set policies for every practice. 
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com 
 

• Sharjah