Standing
in front of the Seto Inland Sea, don't you feel you'd love to
cruise around the islands? The motorboats and the PWC's can
definitely help you to make your dreams come true. Until the
PWC came out 15 years ago, the boat was the only choice people
had. Also, the PWC was seen as just a water-toy available for
rides around beaches. But due to its high efficiency and the
recent increase in trust, young people have become attracted
to its exciting speed, reasonable price (compared to the boats)
and its cool style, making it one of the top summer-sports pastimes.
In Japan, a license is required for all boats with engines stronger
than 5 PS. Around the Seto Inland Sea area, although sailing
is allowed only within 5 sea miles from the coast for normal
motorboat license holders and within 2 sea miles for PWC license
holders, we can follow the coastline or sail around the islands
to enjoy almost unlimited access. Those dreams we have standing
on the beach come true here!
Safety should always be considered - the upsurge in popularity
also brings with it increased risk - both to body and the
environment. The sea poses a different set of problems than
the land! Whereas an accident on land usually results in quick
recovery, the ocean is a different situation - if you get
into trouble, you need to be found. Responsibility for yourself
is paramount, and in the middle of the sea there are no road
signs!
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One
recent project in the Seto Inland Sea is a Sea Station (umi
no eki ),
designed as an information center where beach-goers or sailors
can exchange useful information, hang out, rest and so on. In
its initial stages right now, it attracts mainly boaters - but
the organizers hope this will change, and the center will be
accessible to all, providing a great place to meet like-minded
sea-lovers of every kind!
The Seto Inland Sea is special - full of history, culture, breath-taking
scenery and amazing hospitality! Why not find the sailor within
you, and we promise a wonderful world. Imagine - instead of
standing on the beach looking at the ocean, how it would be
to see the land from the seac..? |
Places:
Gangi Taxi on the rivers of Hiroshima
Fishing boats on Shiraishi
Motorboat cruising in Tomonoura
Links:
Japan Marine Recreation Association: Homepage in Japanese, but
an English PDF-File to explain the license system is available
http://www.jmra.or.jp/
Japan Craft Inspection Association:
If you keep a boat in Japan, is has to be registered- find out
all about it here.
http://www.jci.go.jp/english/01.html
Information on Sea Stations by Chugoku Dostrict Transport Bureau
http://www.cgt.mlit.go.jp/marine/
(Jap)
Information on navigation on the seas of Japan, provided by
the Japan Coast Guard
http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/syoukai/soshiki/toudai/navigation-safety/download/download_info04.htm
Guide to safe navigation through the Seto Inland Sea ( in English,
Korean, Chinese)
http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/06kanku/kouanweb/index.html |