Alcohol breath tests rolled out for boat skippers

Harbour officials and police officers in Jersey can now carry out alcohol breath tests on boat operators following the introduction of updated maritime safety rules.

The Government of Jersey has confirmed that the new regulations also create a specific offence for operating a vessel in a careless or dangerous manner within island waters, with harsher penalties applying in cases that result in serious injury or death.

Under the changes, which took effect on Tuesday, officers will be permitted to administer breath tests when they have “reasonable suspicion” that a skipper has been boating irresponsibly or causing harm.

A government spokesperson described the reforms as “an important step in improving safety around our coastline and ensuring those at the helm are accountable for their actions”.

Earlier in the year, Deputy Montfort Tadier, who chairs the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, raised concerns that the draft legislation lacked sufficient detail. The panel had requested access to the governing agreement at the time to assess how the measures would affect available resources.