BMF and RYA will meet with DfT officials
The Government is expected to give an update on the planned drink boating laws by the time Parliament goes into summer recess, on 27 July.
The British Marine Federation and Royal Yachting Association have a meeting scheduled with Department for Transport officials on 24 July, when they will be pressing the marine industry’s case.
Both groups have stated they see no evidence for the introduction of drink boating laws, but will fight to ensure any measures are sensible.
The DfT announced last month that it would be ‘pressing ahead’ with alcohol restrictions for leisure boaters – with the limit the same as for car drivers.
To the concern of many MBY readers, the rule will apply to “those persons involved in the navigation of a vessel greater than 7m in length and/or capable of a maximum speed of more than seven knots”.
A consultation period of three months is to take place, with the RYA, BMF, inland waterways bodies and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch among those likely to be involved.
The RYA have warned the Government could introduce the law by the end of this year.
