B.C.Y.A. Consultation on Alcohol Limits for non-proffessionals.

[tonybarebones]

Received the following from the CYCC regarding Department for Transport
consultation on Alcohol Limits for non-proffessionals.

CYCC are preparing a response. The nub of this exception is for boats less
than 7Mtr length and not capable of more than 7Knts, skippered by
non-professionals.

I'm not sure where this ties in. Previously there was discussion that
leisure skippers should be made exempt when their boats are at anchor.

I think, this consultation will provide the rule for alcohol under any
circumstances on a boat. Meaning the skipper and any crew on duty are now
covered by the legislation currently covering professional crew.

The consultation papers were issued today at…

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/exceptionfromalcohol/

 

[Csail]

I guess Ben will be cptn. this summer then /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[graham]

Link to the RYA website questions and answers about the proposed legislation. web page

I think this extract from the RYA site really puts the issue into perspective.

"There were 2 fatal accidents last year where alcohol was a factor and to date, none have been reported this year. Neither of the 2005 accidents involved any other craft or third parties. Government has stated there would be no further marine laws unless there is a persuasive case. The RYA does not regard two isolated accidents, tragic as they were, as a persuasive case.
The RYA will continue to communicate this important message through its courses and publications, but will also oppose unnecessary legislation."

 

[Alcyone]

'Bob, there's a blue flashing light behind us'

'Blue flashing, you say? Is that a hovercraft under tow, I can't remember. Better get the almanac.'

 

[graham]

Get a grip Martin . Everyone knows its a fishing vessel on port tack being towed (on a 90° heading of course) across a TSS.vessel over 50meters LOA /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Alcyone]

Show off. I'm a learner, mun.

 

[matelot]

Tony - I guess it means that every boat above 7m is covered by the regs. So you're OK coming back from the pub in your Avon but once you step on board you're for it.

 

[tonybarebones]

[ QUOTE ]
Tony - I guess it means that every boat above 7m is covered by the regs. So you're OK coming back from the pub in your Avon but once you step on board you're for it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Drink boating consultation launched

The Government is consulting on whether slower, smaller craft should be exempted from drink boating laws that are expected to come into force later this year.

Currently, only leisure boats in excess of 7m long or capable of more than 7 knots are wrapped up in the law, as these, the Government said in 2008, "are faster and larger and therefore more dangerous".

But the Department for Transport (DfT) now wants to know if boats less than 7m long and capable of only 7 knots should be subject to drink boating regulations.

The two relevant offences are "that of being unable to carry out duties because of an impairment due to alcohol and drugs" and "that of being over the prescribed limits for alcohol (80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood)".

Both offences were introduced for professional mariners in 2004 with the Railways and Transport Safety Act, but the Government held back from enforcing them for leisure mariners.

Instead, it launched a consultation in 2004 on whether certain leisure mariners should be exempted from the drink boating offences. Three years later, in 2007, it announced that bigger and faster boats would be included in the law, but those smaller than 7m and only capable of 7 knots or less would be exempt.

Another two years on, and the Government has now decided to consult on whether, after all, these smaller, slower craft should be subject to the two offences.

The consultation will run until 6 May, and subject to gaining Parliamentary approval, the DfT intends to introduce the two offences for leisure mariners late this year. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Anwen]

Tony, I think the RYA argument is a good one - what is the driver for expanding this regulation to smaller, slower vessels? Answer, there isn't one. There is no compelling reason for the laws to be extended to craft under 7kts/ metres.

One of the arguments which the BCYA may like to include in its response is that this proposal is counter to the better regulation agenda which has been promoted for some time in government. Whilst better regulation was aimed at inspection and enforcement for government authorities interacting with business, the underlying principles are the same - if there is no need to regulate something, then don't.