Transport Minister said last night.

The Hon. Ralph Marshall said people on jet skis, kayaks, canoes and surfing boards in offshore waters were exempt under old regulations.

They would continue to be so, and further exemptions were being considered.

Mr. Marshall said Marine and Ports Services officials would be talking with clubs and groups about possible exemptions.

The 1993 Marine Board regulations came into force on July 1. They compel boaters to have life jackets and safety equipment.

Yesterday Mr. Marshall said there had been some confusion over the regulations. "Exemptions that existed for certain craft under the old regulations are being drawn up and others are being considered,'' he said.

He added: "Sailing craft of less than 16 feet that operate in inshore waters do not have to carry anything but life jackets so there is no problem for sailing clubs and youth programmes that operate in Hamilton Harbour.

"We are also looking at exemptions for other categories of boats such as comets that operate along the North Shore.'' Mr. Marshall said the North Shore was unprotected water. Craft on it would need to request exemptions from carrying certain equipment.