How did you get on?
This law was in its inception aimed at making the the jet ski community safer and accountable, however, introducing the word ‘Watercraft’ has taken it way beyond that. Here is the definition of watercraft:
Meaning of “watercraft”
This definition is taken from the watercraft order
"Paragraph 3. - (1) Subject to paragraph (2), “watercraft” means any type of craft which -
(a) is capable of moving under its own mechanical power,
(b) is used, navigated or situated wholly or partly in or on water, and is capable of being used to carry one or more persons.
(2) “Watercraft” does not include a ship or fishing vessel within the meanings given in section 313(1) of the 1995 Act."
What does all that mean? The law defines a watercraft as a type of craft that can move under its own mechanical power, used, navigated, or situated wholly or partly in or on water, and able to carry one or more persons. So, this includes power boats, RIBS, tenders, hovercraft, and keel boats that are fitted with or carry a motor. With the recent advances in electrical and jet power, it is likely to include the growing motor kayaks and canoes used for fishing and jet surfers.
It also allows owners of watercraft to register them as a small ship on Part III of the UK Ship Register but this is not compulsory. Registration can provide proof of ownership, nationality and legal status of a watercraft, particularly important if taking your vessel overseas.
Overall, this law enables the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other enforcement authorities to prosecute those who operate watercraft in a dangerous or negligent manner, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
How it will be enforced, is of course a very different question.
Small ship definition - Any vessel which is less than 24m in overall length not falling under commercial use.
If you managed to come up with all that - good effort!!
Have a great day.