Future Drink Regulations for Leisure Boaters

Drink boating consultation launched

By IBI Magazine/Motor Boats Monthly

A consultation on future drink boating regulations was launched in Britain today by UK Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

The alcohol limit being introduced for leisure mariners is the same as the drink drive limit — 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood — and will apply to those persons involved in the navigation of a vessel.

The consultation seeks views on the draft regulations that would exempt non-professional mariners on boats that are less than 7m (23ft) in length and have a maximum design speed of 7kt or less.

The consultation will run until May 6 and, subject to gaining Parliamentary approval for the new regulations, the Department for Transport intends to introduce the two offences for leisure mariners late this year.



(11 February 2009)