Hong Kong To Make 'drink-boating' An Offence

Hong Kong authorities need to be able to test boat crews for drink and drugs after any accidents at sea, the government told Legco on Monday, as it proposed fines and jail terms for any seafarers found to be intoxicated.

While the SAR currently has no specific 'drink-boating' offence, those involved in marine accidents can be charged with other offences, such as "endangering the safety of others".

But Deputy Transport Secretary Angela Lee told councillors that as well as no specific legislation on drink and drug use by seafarers, Hong Kong also lacks legislation allowing law enforcement agencies to carry out tests on boat crews for intoxicating substances.

As well as a new offence of operating a boat under the influence of drink or drugs, the administration will also be putting forward legislation granting authorities the power to force boat captains and crew members to undergo alcohol and drugs tests, and to conduct spot checks.

The government is proposing to slap fines of up to HK$25,000 and prison terms of up to three years on any offenders.

Lee said the government will be seeking people's views before it tables a bill on such legislation to Legco next year.

"We propose that the new legislation applies to those who participate in the operation of vessels, including the captain, the pilot, and also ... other personnel who have a duty to protect the safety of vessels, including those who assist passengers to board and alight," Lee said.

Civic Party lawmaker Jeremy Tam said he supports the plan because a law to ban sailing under the influence of drink or drugs is long overdue.

"I'm quite surprised that we do not have any regulations for this offence," he told RTHK's Candice Wong.