Drink driving on the river

[Chris_d]

Think this was revived by one of our friends from the colonies and their very different perspective.
Actually even in the last 10 years attitudes have changed, I would have said then this wasn't really a big issue on the non tidal Thames with its 4.3knt speed limit etc... but I can think of two incidents; Fairline Targa Two rebels at Weybridge going into a field and a knob in a Sunseeker at the Henley Festival planing down the reach, which put a very different case for enforcement.

 

[Actionmat]

A small cruiser loaded with drunks collided with our moored boat at Hampton Court. Their engine had cut out and one of them was trying to refuel from a can and spilling petrol all over the place. He had a lit cigarette in his mouth.
It was dark, they had no navigation lights and you couldn't see over the dash for the pile of beer cans.
I ended up jumping on board and filling the outboard after insisting everyone shut up and didn't smoke near me.
Then the Dad and son started punching each other
I took a note of their boat name but I haven't seen them since.

 

[oldgit]

A small cruiser loaded with drunks collided with our moored boat at Hampton Court. Their engine had cut out and one of them was trying to refuel from a can and spilling petrol all over the place. He had a lit cigarette in his mouth.
It was dark, they had no navigation lights and you couldn't see over the dash for the pile of beer cans.
I ended up jumping on board and filling the outboard after insisting everyone shut up and didn't smoke near me.
Then the Dad and son started punching each other
I took a note of their boat name but I haven't seen them since.

It is vital that the authorities do have some sort of sanction available to them,no matter how infrequently it is applied or difficult to enforce.
Up until the sinking of The Herald of Free Enterprise there was no maritime law which enabled action to be taken against the company and owners which ran the ship,Captain and crew yes ,but not the people at the top who owned and were responsible for the safety the vessel.
Due to the dreadful loss of life an act of parliament was passed making companies and owners liable to prosecution.
There were objections at the time about legislation adding totally unnecessary additional rules and regulations.

 

[dash300]

I believe alcohol was a factor in the Bow Belle incident.

 

[oldgit]

I believe alcohol was a factor in the Bow Belle incident.

https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/col...-in-marchioness-sinking-with-loss-of-51-lives

 

[No Regrets]

A small cruiser loaded with drunks collided with our moored boat at Hampton Court. Their engine had cut out and one of them was trying to refuel from a can and spilling petrol all over the place. He had a lit cigarette in his mouth.
It was dark, they had no navigation lights and you couldn't see over the dash for the pile of beer cans.
I ended up jumping on board and filling the outboard after insisting everyone shut up and didn't smoke near me.
Then the Dad and son started punching each other
I took a note of their boat name but I haven't seen them since.

I meant to say thanks for that, but my lad was trying to nick the last Beer... :encouragement:

 

[Actionmat]

I meant to say thanks for that, but my lad was trying to nick the last Beer... :encouragement:

 

[ChrisHanley]

I believe alcohol was a factor in the Bow Belle incident.

Not according to the report written by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch

 

[oldgit]

Without wishing to engage in a spurious debate about an "alternative interpretation" of facts that the President of the USA would be proud of,crews of ballast barges were alleged to have enjoyed the occasional tipple.
It would have been highly unlikely for any crew or employer to have admitted that the people in the wheel house were not fully composed at the time of the accident,even to the MAIB investigation officers who never allocate blame but merely wish to detail events.
The MAIB report cannot be used in evidence for any prosecution by the MCA ?

 

[Capt Popeye]

For those of us who worked on the water,the tales of the drinking culture that used to exist on commercial craft plying the Thames and Medway was common knowledge.
Unfortunately the matter was largely ignored due to what was acceptable at the time.
Seem to remember a barge becoming embedded in Southend Pier due to the skipper being a bit the worse for wear.

Humm well just hearsay of course, but similar 'goings on' went on allegedly on the 'Cross Channel Ferries' until something happened that seemed to have a dramatic effect on those that previously thought it was , well, OK {:-(

 

[No Regrets]

I think there is a distinct difference between 'Drink on the River' and 'Drink on the River'

While many, if not most (from what I have seen) Boaters on the Upper Thames like a drink or two, and despite the inevitable rental craft idiots, I haven't heard of any issues thus.

Tidal Thames is obviously a different matter. A tot of Rum on a cold morning is about it really. Things can go too wrong too quickly.

Besides which, Wine glasses tend to fall over when the Ribs go whizzing past :ambivalence:

 

[oldgit]

Regards the Bow Belle incident.
Peel Ports have just issued a reminder via a Notam about being able to see any approaching vessels.

12. Navigation Of Vessels Of More Than 40 Meters length Overall Upstream Of Folly Point
Vessels of more than 40 meters length overall which have their wheelhouse situated aft, when
navigating upstream of Folly Point, must at all times have a look-out stationed forward who;
- Is in telephone or radio communication with the wheelhouse; and
- Is instructed to report every sighting of a vessel underway and every other matter which
could affect the safe navigation of the vessel.
Further updates will be provided during the refurbishment process.
Further information may be obtained from Medway Navigation Service (VTS) on VHF Channel 74,
call sign “Medway VTS” or telephone 01795 663025.

and that it is vital the lookout is able to communicate with the helmsman.

 

[Actionmat]

That's how the Magna Carta operates. The African Queen doesn't, but that's another story and one that's been well covered on this forum

 

[TrueBlue]

Didn't know that - the skipper of AQ stands higher than the cabin and can see well forwards - so can see other boats.
It's the infrastructure of the Thames that he (often) comes into contact with......

 

[Rascal Joe]

Although an EA officer is not empowered to breathalyse you, he or she has the same power as any individual to make a Citizen's Arrest under Section 24 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE); Section 24 is applicable to any indictable offence; the arresting person is not required to read any rights, may use 'reasonable force' to restrain the offender and must call for a warranted police officer immediately the arrest has taken place. So, an EA officer could effect the arrest, ensure your boat and you stay with them and call 111 for assistance.
However, unless you are so clearly under the influence as to be a danger to others I rather doubt anyone will use these powers...

 

[AuntyRinum]

Although an EA officer is not empowered to breathalyse you, he or she has the same power as any individual to make a Citizen's Arrest under Section 24 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE); Section 24 is applicable to any indictable offence; the arresting person is not required to read any rights, may use 'reasonable force' to restrain the offender and must call for a warranted police officer immediately the arrest has taken place. So, an EA officer could effect the arrest, ensure your boat and you stay with them and call 111 for assistance.
However, unless you are so clearly under the influence as to be a danger to others I rather doubt anyone will use these powers...

Mike Tyson once said, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face".
Apart from that, a so called "citizen's arrest" is likely to end up with a charge of false imprisonment.

 

[Rascal Joe]

Please refer to PACE section 24 - applying 'so-called' to a citizen's arrest is to misunderstand the law. A proportionate response is all that is needed to stay within the bounds set by PACE.