Conwy Harbourmaster Tony Mead has warned a tragedy is inevitable if compulsory legislation is not passed for leisure boaters. Speaking on the BBC’s Eye on Wales programme, he said ‘I honestly believe there’s a wish among harbourmasters that some form of compulsory legislation be implemented for powerboats. There’s a tremendous potential for danger.’

There is currently no law requiring a minimum level of training for boat owners, which the RYA believes is a good thing. Citing ‘education not legislation,’ as its ethic, the RYA says the UK’s safety record is good, there is no evidence a test and licence would reduce accidents, and that the associated bureaucracy and policing would be an unnecessary cost shouldered by the boating public.