Alcohol Consumption - continued from the Howe Sound , Sunshine Coast Reports thread

[Peahead]

From my experience the law as it is written and what is actually targeted by enforcement is a little different. The operator of the boat is enforcement's main concern. If you have 3 guys on a boat and 2 are drinking beer that are not operating the boat and the driver/owner is not drinking and is not intoxicated, it is my experience that enforcement won't be concerned by the other guys having a few beer that are on board.

My concern would be when boat owners are camped at marine parks or a marina and moored for the night as there can be alot of alcohol consumed on many boats and at the docks in these situations. From what I have seen however the main enforcement target seems to be at operators drinking while out on the water actually operating the boat.

 

[scott craven]

From what I have seen however the main enforcement target seems to be at operators drinking while out on the water actually operating the boat.

Yes, this is the main concern.
Most officer's would turn a blind eye when the boat is tied up
as it as an extension of your home.
However, turn the key and it becomes a vehicle and penalties similar to
impaired driving will apply.

 

[black dog]

If you blow over .08 do they suspend you operators card or your drivers licence?

 

[Peahead]

Yes, this is the main concern.
Most officer's would turn a blind eye when the boat is tied up
as it as an extension of your home.
However, turn the key and it becomes a vehicle and penalties similar to
impaired driving will apply.

Perhaps not that similar as turning the key apparently isn't necessary with a car to get charged .....just having the vehicle in your control with keys in pocket is all it takes from my understanding. I have witnessed charges of impaired driving in a vehicle, while driver was snoozing in the car with his car keys in pocket. It happen on the Gulf Islands while many vehicles missed the last Ferry and were stopped for the night waiting for the next Ferry which was the following morning ! ..... they got at least 2 drivers who chose to drink in their parked cars even though their cars were their accomodation that night parked/camping overnight.

 

[scott craven]

From Transport Canada

Mixing Alcohol and boating is far more dangerous than most people realize. Fatigue, sun, wind and the motion of the boat dull senses. Alcohol intensifies these effects, leaving you with reduced reaction time, reduced fine motor skills and impaired judgement. At least 40 per cent of all power-boating fatality victims had a blood alcohol level above the legal driving limit. So it’s simple: don’t “cruise with booze.”

Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code. Convictions, even for a first offence, may result in heavy punishment. Penalties range from a minimum of $1000 to a ban from operating a vessel for up to three years. Operators with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood are liable to the following fines (The maximum sentence may vary from province to province):

• 1[SUP]st[/SUP] offence: at least $1000 fine;
• 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] offence: at least 30 days of imprisonment; and
• 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] offence: at least 120 days of imprisonment.

Provinces and territories have rules that determine when alcohol can be consumed, or how it can be transported on a boat. In most provinces, alcohol may be consumed on board the vessel if it meets certain conditions, such as having:

• the vessel has permanent sleeping facilities;
• the vessel has permanent cooking facilities;
• the vessel has a permanent toilet; and
• the vessel is anchored or secured alongside a dock.

 

[Captain PartyMarty]

Wow thats harsh never heard of that, was this in the BC ferries parking lot or outside on the road?

 

[Peahead]

It was on Saturna and many years ago now. It was just a tiny little road that ran up to the ferry with a little small rudimentary parking area within a few feet of the ramp. RCMP swarmed in as if it was something they often did a few hrs after the last Ferry left.

 

[Peahead]

From Transport Canada

Provinces and territories have rules that determine when alcohol can be consumed, or how it can be transported on a boat. In most provinces, alcohol may be consumed on board the vessel if it meets certain conditions, such as having:

• the vessel has permanent sleeping facilities;
• the vessel has permanent cooking facilities;
• the vessel has a permanent toilet; and
• the vessel is anchored or secured alongside a dock.

Thanks for that Craven -- I especially like the rule that you must have a head/permanent toilet ..... heaven forbid you have drunk guys on board a boat with no toilet!

 

[mbowers]

Thanks for that Craven -- I especially like the rule that you must have a head/permanent toilet ..... heaven forbid you have drunk guys on board a boat with no toilet!

Well sounds like responsible drinking passengers just need to put on the drinking suit (ironically also called a dry suit), grab a beer with a cap, jump in the water, open the beer, slam it, drop the empty and then get back in the boat.

I think the Florida alcohol laws make more sense: open containers allowed (otherwise you would have to throw your empties overboard to stay legal) but the boat operator can't be intoxicated.


From http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/LLinBC/basics.htm

Since boats operate on public waterways, liquor may only be consumed in boats or other water craft if the vessel is licensed or it is being used as a residence. In this case, residents and their guests may consume liquor in the cabin or on the deck of their boat.

Having open liquor and drinking liquor in open vessels, small water craft, or vessels which are not equipped to be living quarters is not allowed.

Operating or assisting to operate a vessel or having the care and control of a vessel while impaired by alcohol or with a blood alcohol level more than .08 (eighty milligrams of alcohol in one hundred millilitres of blood) is a criminal offence. The same rules which prohibit driving while impaired apply to vessels.

 

[profisher]

Obviously I never drink while guiding. When asked if I allow drinking while on a trip I have the standard answer, yes you can have a few drinks but you can't get drunk. The trip ends if I see the main goal of the day is drinking, not fishing. I get asked often (just being polite) if I would like a beer when the guests decide to break open the beer. I turn it down but if it is the last trip of the day I might say, a beer might taste good when we are done and while I'm cleaning your fish. Most say great we'll save you one. If after turning it down they say are you sure. I joking ask them...did you fly out here? If yes. I say so did you mak your way up to the flight crew and ask if they wanted a drink? lol Then they get it right away.

 

[Mavrik]

I sure see a lot of beer cans floating in the chuck these days. Especially when the RCMP inflatable is approaching the fishing area.
I think it's cute that the police cruise around in a inflatable boat, with inflatable life vests. One day somebody is gonna be armed with a pin or fish hook and then they'll be up the creek.

 

[trophywife]

I sure see a lot of beer cans floating in the chuck these days. Especially when the RCMP inflatable is approaching the fishing area.
I think it's cute that the police cruise around in a inflatable boat, with inflatable life vests. One day somebody is gonna be armed with a pin or fish hook and then they'll be up the creek.

this made me laugh!!!

 

[Big Green Machine]

I sure see a lot of beer cans floating in the chuck these days. Especially when the RCMP inflatable is approaching the fishing area.
I think it's cute that the police cruise around in a inflatable boat, with inflatable life vests. One day somebody is gonna be armed with a pin or fish hook and then they'll be up the creek.

Go for it and let us know how that works out for you. See how your stick pin or hook sizes up to a Smith & Wesson.

 

[Mavrik]

Go for it and let us know how that works out for you. See how your stick pin or hook sizes up to a Smith & Wesson.

LOL, I've seen them practice at the range. You're safer if they are trying to hit you! Just kidding, well sorta.
Besides, Smith and Wesson, meet Maverick 88!