NSW: Boat skippers reminded of 0.05 blood alcohol limit

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2009
NSW: Boat skippers reminded of 0.05 blood alcohol limit

SYDNEY, Dec 22 AAP - NSW skippers planning to hit the water over the festive season
are being reminded to keep their alcohol consumption in check.

Ports and Waterways Minister Paul McLeay has reminded boaties that a blood alcohol
limit of 0.05 applies.

Anyone over the limit and in charge of a boat could face a fine of up to $5,500, loss
of licence or a jail term of up to two years, he said.

"I would like to remind all skippers to go easy when it comes to alcohol, keep under
0.05, and stay alive," Mr McLeay said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I call on all skippers, and that includes the many thousands in non-powered craft,
to be responsible this summer when it comes to alcohol and boating."

Police and NSW Maritime regularly run joint patrols to conduct random breath tests
on the water, at marinas and at boat ramps.

AAP sg/wjf/ash

KEYWORD: SKIPPERS

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