BPA: Close ‘drink-pilot’ yachtie loophole
The British Ports Association chief executive has closed UK Maritime Safety Week with a call to shut a regulatory loophole that permits non-professional mariners to pilot leisure craft under the influence of alcohol.
Highlighting improvements made in safety at UK ports, Richard Ballantyne said that Government now needs to cast a wider safety net.
“As an industry we are constantly striving to improve on our record,” he said. “We would now like to see Government take a step further and support Harbours in promoting safety amongst all marine users.”
The loophole in UK legislation allows non-professional mariners to be under the influence of alcohol while at the controls of a vessel, which poses safety risks for the commercial fleet, as well as in busy shipping lanes and ports.
“Industry has been discussing this issue for a long time; now is the time to act,” said Mr Ballantyne. “There will be challenges to overcome but a change in the law would be a signal of intent and would be a step in the right direction and help to change the culture, attitudes and norms around alcohol and marine safety.”
The Department for Transport’s inaugural Maritime Safety Week took place from July 9 to 13.
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