Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue have backed plans by the state government to introduce targeted alcohol and drug testing on the water before the year is up.
The new legislation will enable the police, the Department of Transport and other marine authorities to breathalyse skippers they suspect to be operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Skippers with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or above will be subject to penalties, which Department of Transport general manager marine safety Raymond Buchholz said are still “under consideration”.
Mr Buchholz told the Mandurah Mail that they were currently preparing a submission for government consideration.
“[The Department] is seeking to introduce a formal drug and alcohol testing regime as well as set a maximum blood alcohol limit, as these measures would contribute to making our waterways safer for all users,” he said.
“It is anticipated that blood alcohol limits would align with those currently specified for road users in the Road Traffic Act 1974.
“Under changes being proposed, skippers believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs would be required to supply samples of breath, saliva or blood to authorised officers in much the same manner as it currently occurs on the road.”
Across the country, boaties in other states operating a vessel with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.05 or under the influence of illicit drugs face substantial fines, suspension of their skippers’ tickets or even jail.
While it is illegal to drive under the influence on the water, WA is one of the only states where marine authorities are not empowered to to breathalyse recreational or commercial skippers.
They must instead rely on “visual impairment” sobriety tests like spotting a boat driving recklessly.
With boating you don’t have a dotted line down the middle of the waterway and the driver may also be affected by the sun and the heat during the day.
- Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue spokesman Nigel Haines
Drivers who are deemed incapable this way of operating their vessels because of drugs and alcohol face a $1000 fine under the WA Marine Act.
“It is currently an offence under the Western Australian Marine Act 1982 to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to the extent where a person cannot safely navigate a vessel,” he said.
“Skippers are reminded that they are responsible for the safety of their passengers and themselves.”
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Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue spokesman Nigel Haines said the move to align the rules for boaties and motorists on WA roads was one the organisation supported.
“Anything that adds to the safety of people whilst boating should be considered,” Mr Haines said.
“It has enormous risks – exactly the same as drink driving on the road.
“Add to that with boating you don’t have a dotted line down the middle of the waterway and the driver may also be affected by the sun and the heat during the day.”
Mr Haines acknowledged the risks posed by drunk skippers but admitted they make up very few of the incidents that occur on the water in the Peel region.
“An extremely small proportion of recoveries and rescues could be attributed to excess alcohol with our group,” he said.
“Most are due to a lack of attention, lack of preparation or lack of common sense.”
