NSW: Boaties to face random breath tests

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2004
NSW: Boaties to face random breath tests

SYDNEY, Dec 8 AAP - New laws allowing random breath tests for boaties were introduced
to NSW parliament today.

Current legislation only allows police to test if they have reasonable suspicion a
skipper is intoxicated.

Police Minister John Watkins said the new ruling could see any boatie on the water
forced to take a random breath test.

"Alcohol and boating don't mix, and skippering a boat if you're over the limit is as
dangerous as drink driving," Mr Watkins said in a statement.

"With this new law, we are providing a stronger deterrent."

Since 1991, it has been illegal for anyone with a blood alcohol level above 0.05 to
skipper a boat in NSW.

Alcohol has contributed to 53 deaths on the water since 1992, including 18 fishing-related
incidents.

Mr Watkins said he hoped the new laws would pass quickly through parliament and come
into force following brief consultation.

AAP tam/was/bwl

KEYWORD: BOATIES

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