On 18 Feb 2009, at 15:01, Roger Millin wrote:
> Are there sufficient drink-steering problems on the canals though to
> justify this requirement?
> We've all seen pretty merry groups of lads (usually) on hire boats but
> what is the track record of damage to themselves or other people?
> Now small, high speed, speedboats/jet skis close inshore near a beach,
> that's a different matter perhaps as I have heard of injuries in that
> sort of scenario........but, depending on length they will be exempt
> AIUI.
I don't see that you can easily legally distinguish between the
canals and rivers and the Broads, where drink boating is much more of
a problem. The evidence behind the decision to include "non-
professional mariners" came from the MAIB. It does seem likely that
the commonest form of drink boating on the cut, the stag/hen party on
a day hire boat, will escape as a lot of those are under 7 meters/23
feet, and not capable of more than 7 knots.
As I read the cover letter for the consultation, the jet ski problem
is recognised, it's just going to require its own bit of regulation
to sweep it into the net, rather than get it entangled with this one.
It is _only_ jet skis, because they are not "used for navigation".
Ordinary speed boats are ships within the meaning of the Act, and
will be caught by it if capable of >7 knots. To escape, the vessel
must be *both* less than 7 meters long *and* not capable of exceeding
7 knots.
The choice of 7 metres and 7 knots is down to an existing definition
in the COLREGS apparently; it's the exemption from having to carry
nav lights
All the best
Bruce
There are no strangers on the cut, only boaters we've yet to meet.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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