MP backs breathalyser tests for non-professional sailors

[nordic_ranger]

I received this as an email from a friend.

An MP whose constituents were involved in the tragic Sea Snake accident has welcomed proposals to introduce alcohol consumption limits for amateur sailors, it has been reported.

The new limits are in response to the tragedy that occurred near Tarbert harbour in 2005, in which three residents of Dunoon, near Argyll, died and three more incurred serious injuries.

Following an investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) it was found that the pleasure boat had hit rocks at high speed due chiefly to the high levels of alcohol the sailors had imbibed.

Alan Reid, MP for Argyll and Bute, said: "The grounding of the Sea Snake was a tragic accident which cost three lives.

"In the light of the MAIB's findings, I welcome today's announcement that alcohol limits will be introduced for non-professional sailors.

"I believe that these limits will act as a deterrent and will, I hope, prevent further tragedies."

Under the proposals from Whitehall, non-professional sailors in charge of a vessel over 23 ft long with a speed of seven knots will be liable for breathalyser tests.

 

[sarabande]

I suggest that we start a petition to have MPs breathalysed as they enter the Commons, on the grounds that it is a place of work.

It's a very serious offence if any normal office worker turns up with alcohol, so why not for a elected representatives too ?

I can see my request to have a bar at work, on the grounds that I work later from time to time, being well received by the Board !

 

[Blue5]

You beat me to it, wholeheatedly agree with Sarabande this was my initial thought when I saw this post.

 

[roycharles]

As our hypoctritical MP's have apparently exempted themselves from the Data Protection Act, the anti- smoking legislation and who knows what else, have they exempted themselves from drink/ boating legislation?

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
I suggest that we start a petition to have MPs breathalysed as they enter the Commons, on the grounds that it is a place of work.

It's a very serious offence if any normal office worker turns up with alcohol, so why not for a elected representatives too ?


[/ QUOTE ]

I'll sign it!

 

[Malcb]

Sounds like a good reason for keeping my present boat, 23 feet and max speed of 6 knots.

 

[duncan]

don't think the MAIB report used the word 'chiefly' - your embelishment?

there are already regulations in place (and they include you malcb!)

however these new regulations will eventually, when their practical implementation is resolved as well, provide defined limits which most people understand and aid prosecutions and therefore fines..........

finally the transport minister was at lengths to avoid reference to the Sea Snake incident as the primary target is (apparantly) those who could cause death or injury to third parties - clearly those aboard the Sea Snake were there of their own choice. Were it to be trying to address the issue of protecting people from themselves it would cleary not have any exclusions at all; heading off on a windsurfer or dingy whilst intoxicated is arguably more likely to cause an injury to someone.

Exceptions make no sense to me at all - it's either dangerous or it isn't.

 

[nordic_ranger]

[ QUOTE ]
'chiefly' - your embellishment?

[/ QUOTE ]

No not at all I cut and pasted it from its original source.

 

[LymingtonPugwash]

Well hopefully the Scottish MPs will keep their Scottish laws up in Scotland!
I can see that our decision to leave the UK permanently a few years ago was the right decision! Yet another nail in the coffin of the UK as we all knew it! At least it's a law in the right direction for the Islamic Republic of Britain anyway as islam will ban alcohol under it's sharia anyway! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Cheers..... (while you still can)! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[nordic_ranger]

Don't shoot me I'm only the messenger.

 

[Jezlyn]

The rules say boats of 7m or more and or capable of mre than 7knots. Trouble is I need a boat of 7m or more to qualify to fly a blue ensign! Question is, do I sacrifice the right to fly a blue ensign in order to avoid the drink boating laws?

Oops 100th post!

 

[Gunfleet]

get one of those spring loaded spinnaker bowsprit jobbies beloved of racers. Then you can be 7.5 when you want and 6.9 when you want.

 

[Heckler]

Have just done it, its like this but will have to wait while they check it out:

http://www.llangollen.co.uk/images/petition.doc

plus this is the site

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/new
Stu

 

[AndrewF]

Think breath tests for non professional sailors is a good idea. Would be seriously hacked off to have a collison with a drunk sailor, would take the shine off my day.

 

[duncan]

Andrew - your post suggests you are unaware that it is already an offense?

These new regulations simply bring in a fixed limit and will introduce the necessary infrastructure and authorities to 'police' things.