The call for authorities to require third party insurance for jet skis to cover accident victims resonated in Melbourne following the death of a 51-year-old man who was struck by a jet ski in Port Melbourne on Friday afternoon.

The jet ski crash victim was taking in the last stretch of summer with his family when the accident happened. The Herald Sun reported he was swimming up to 150 metres off shore near the Lagoon Pier in Port Melbourne at 5.50 p.m. when he was struck by the ski and suffered severe head injuries.

He was put on life support but eventually died in the hospital on Sunday.

Marine safety figures show 1,100 people were taken to hospital as a result of jet ski crashes in 2009/2010, up from 530 in 2003.

Maurice Blackburn principal Andrew Dimsey spoke to the Herald Sun and said many jet ski victims were missing out on compensation due to the lack of third party insurance of personal watercrafts (PWCs).

"Jet skis are powerful devices and in the wrong hands they are very dangerous," he said.

Jet ski experts are also looking into the possibility of designing a more thorough test for those who would like to get a license.

Reacting on the existing written boat license test for jet ski riders, Darren Williams, president of the Australian Jet Sports Boating Association said the lack of skills testing in the process is "the most ridiculous thing."

Mr Williams added the group was seeking the introduction of skills testing before allowing people to ride jet skis.

Both lawyers and jet ski experts agree on the risks involved in riding jet skis.

"Jet skis are powerful devices and in the wrong hands they are very dangerous," Mr Dimsey said.

"How can you let someone ride this thing with 300 horse power that has demonstrated no ability with it?'' said Mr Williams.

As recommendations surface in the light of the jet ski crash victim's death, police authorities are still investigating whether the jet ski driver violated the exclusion area. Witnesses are being asked to come forward.