I am trying to understand the 'drink driving' laws that apply when sailing.
http://www.geoffharrison.com.au/Operate ... of-Alcohol
the above link is for a NSW barrister who sums the laws up pretty well, however, I have some interesting hypotheticals....
1. If you dont have a boat licence, and you are on a vessel that doesnt require you to have one, ie a small privetly operated yacht, how can the licencing laws apply to you? (I let my licence lapse a couple of months ago
- yes I will renew as they are a pain to get now)2. At anchor, my understanding is that you can legally be over the limit, as anchoring is not covered by the definition of 'operating' a vessel, however it is strongly recommended you stay under the limit in case you need to move the boat.
Does anyone have any info on the above or RMS advice?
I will admit to enjoying slightly more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour, and 1 every hour after during the friday twilight races and social cruises.
I kind of get the feeling that the waterways guys dont really focus on yachts, I have been on the water nearly every weekend since I could walk and have only been pulled up once, when I was about 8 years old, in a Northbridge Junior on Lake Macquarie, when I was so keen to get on the water I forgot my lifejacket.
To clarify, I think drink driving (automotive) laws are fair. I think there is a significant difference between a car and a yacht limited to 6.5 kts, where there are no pedestrians, you have right of way with regard to power boats, and your experience counts for a lot. The automotive laws should however apply to power boats which frequently bump into things at speed often resulting in fatalities.
