The regulations, announced by Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges yesterday, replace the existing national requirement for jet-boat drivers to have a minimum of 50 hours' experience before taking passengers.
Mr Kelly said the regulations had been about 10 years in the planning and it was "great" to get them.
"It's just making everything transparent. We feel it's a really good step.
"It's just really formalising things ... it's [also] giving someone a physical licence to be legally able to run commercial trips."
KJet employed eight drivers. Each had to go through 100 hours of training before they could take passengers, largely because of the complexities of operating on part of the Shotover River, Mr Kelly said.
Once drivers had completed the hours, they were assessed by Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster Marty Black before being able to take commercial trips.
It was unlikely the process for licensing would change.
The commercial jet-boat industry in New Zealand comprises 42 operators, carrying more than 370,000 passengers a year. Mr Bridges said the industry managed risk "extremely well", with the safety of passengers a "paramount consideration".
While the "inherent risks" of jet-boating provided the "thrill factor" which attracted tourists from across the world, the new requirements "gives passengers and the public added assurance that these risks are being managed properly", he said.
"The overwhelming level of support for this new rule from operators is an indication of how seriously the wellbeing of passengers is taken."
Yesterday's announcement was welcomed by the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand, which said it would further strengthen New Zealand's "world-class adventure tourism sector".
TIA chief executive Martin Snedden said the Government's decision supported the work being done by the association, the industry and other organisations to ensure tourism operators ran a safe operation.
"Jet-boating on New Zealand's iconic rivers is a popular visitor activity and the new rule, developed by Maritime New Zealand in consultation with the industry and the New Zealand Commercial Jet Boat Association, reinforces the sector's strong commitment to visitor safety and satisfaction.
"It's critical that 'adventure' remains in adventure tourism, but the industry has a responsibility to ensure that these experiences are being delivered within a strong safety framework," Mr Snedden said.
The regulations will come into force from August 2.
