Drink boating to be made illegal

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Duffer

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Offences similar to drink driving are to be introduced for boats over 7m (23') and/or capable of 7 knots (8mph, 12.9km/h) according to a report on South Today (BBC1). Any provisions must apply to jetskis and speed boats etc which pose the greatest danger but which are under 7m.
More details on tonight's program (6.30pm).
 
As the owner of a 6.7 m yacht that does 6 knots I think the rule is very sensible.... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
What an incosistent and useless piece of legislation. You either believe there is a problem and legislate accordingly or preserve the status quo. What is proposed is another example of ineffective muddled thinking from a government that has run out of ideas. A good government intervenes infrequently but effectively, a bad government, well need i say more ?
 
A load of bollocks I guess as usual......who is going to police it?? and at what time are you considered not to be incommand?? If I drop the hook for the night in a nice quiet anchorage, settle down for a glass or 2 of wine I am surely still in command of the vessel so therefore breaking the law.............we have all gone stark raving mad !!!!!!!

Paul.
 
I see a niche market for 6.9m discplacement craft (power or sail) with an enormous beer fridge under one bunk, a wine rack under the other, and a row of optics across the bulkhead...
 
It dosn't say the Skipper must be under the limit, it says anybody involved in the navigation of the vessel. So they catch the crew as well.
 
The article doesn't say "or" it says 7 knots and 7 metres.

My boat has a "hull speed" about 6 knots.
Does this mean I can drink myself stupid when I'm sailing against the tide?

Mike
 
Personally, I have no problems with this legislation, however I see the BBC web site is quoting:

Mr Ladyman said the draft regulations took into account responses to a consultation from sailors and enforcement officers.

and I do wonder which sailors were consulted?
 
How will this effect inland boaters any ideas? I have a Princess32 will do 10knots! But restricted to 4 knots river speed limit!!! What you reacon???

Just more red tape /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I see a niche market for 6.9m discplacement craft (power or sail) with an enormous beer fridge under one bunk, a wine rack under the other, and a row of optics across the bulkhead...

[/ QUOTE ]

So you've seen my modifications to Merit then? Actually she's only 5.5 meters but people always think she's 22'-24'.
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
"I have decided to propose that the exception under section 80 should apply to those persons exercising a function in connection with the navigation of a vessel which is less than 7 metres in length and is not capable of a maximum speed of over 7 knots".
 
[ QUOTE ]
My boat has a "hull speed" about 6 knots.
Does this mean I can drink myself stupid when I'm sailing against the tide?

[/ QUOTE ]

Why not, you'll have plenty of time to do it... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mike
 
This is, of course, quite appaling. But did you spot the sentence towards the end of the Ministers statement which read:

[ QUOTE ]
Of course, this exception does not affect the offence (under section 80(2) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003) of having the ability to navigate impaired because of drink or drugs.

[/ QUOTE ]

So the whole thing is a waste of time anyway.
 
Who are these "enforcement officers"

Some crowd of useless nautical jobsworths on yet another job creation scheme

How are they to be paid for - Council tax, income tax - Boat Tax?

Perhaps more pointedly what rights do they have.

CAn they arrest you or your boat

CAn they carryout a full breathalyser procedure

Is it an offense to tell them to **** off and back that up with a winch handle.

This is yet another complete dogs dinner or a piece of legislation. A complete waste of time and money.
 
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