DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (023) issued by COI News Distribution
Service. 11 February 2009
CONSULTATION
BEGINS ON EXEMPTION FOR SMALLER, SLOWER VESSELS
Alcohol rules for leisure mariners moved a step closer today as
Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick launched a consultation on
draft Regulations that will govern which vessels will come under
the scope of the offence of being over the limit.
Following an extensive consultation, the Government announced in
2007 that it would introduce similar alcohol restrictions for
leisure mariners to those in place for professional seafarers. 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 Government proposes that the offence should affect larger,
faster vessels while providing an exemption for a limited number
of smaller, slower craft. The consultation launched today seeks
views on the draft Regulations that would exempt non-professional
mariners on ships which are less than 7 metres and a maximum
design speed of 7 knots or less.
Jim Fitzpatrick said:
"The Government takes alcohol abuse at sea very seriously.
Everyone has the right to enjoy themselves on the water, but not
in a way that puts others at risk.
"The limited exemption at 7 metres and 7 knots is designed
to provide the best balance between improving safety and avoiding
unnecessary regulation. I welcome people's views on the draft regulations."
The exemption will not affect the separate offence of being
impaired through drink and drugs while navigating a ship.
The Department for Transport intends to introduce the two
offences for leisure mariners in late 2009 subject to
Parliamentary approval for the new Regulations.
Notes to Editors
1. The consultation will run until 6 May 2009.
2. The offences for exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit and of
being impaired while navigating a ship are contained in Part 4 of
the Railways and Transport Act 2003. The Act also allows the
Secretary of State to make an exemption from the offence of
exceeding alcohol limits under specified conditions.
3. The responses to the previous consultation on the exception
from alcohol limits for non-professional mariners were published
in June 2007.
4. The alcohol and drug offences for professional mariners have
been in force since 2004.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk