The aim of the "Maritime Safety Days", which started for the first time in 2023 in the northern network of waterway police forces of the coastal states, is "the prevention of impairment and damage to shipping and pleasure craft traffic". During the first inspection weeks in March, which focused on passenger shipping, the waterway police inspected over 100 passenger ships and uncovered 29 offences. Between 9 and 20 May, the focus will now be on charter boats and privately operated pleasure craft. The inspections will focus in particular on safety-relevant equipment, necessary documents and, above all, the fitness to sail of the skippers.
What is the drink-drive limit on the water?
The alcohol limit for boating is standardised in Germany and applies to all road users. With a few exceptions, boat drivers must adhere to a limit of 0.5 per mille. This also corresponds to the values applicable in road traffic. The blood alcohol limit applies with or without a driving licence as well as for all other road users who use a waterway or body of water. It is irrelevant whether the vehicle is motorised or not. If passengers or dangerous goods are being transported, a 0.0 per mille limit always applies. The legal basis for the drink-drive limit on boats can be found in the Maritime Waterways Regulations (SeeSchStrO) as well as in the Inland Waterways Regulations (BinSchStrO) and the Recreational Craft Driving Licence Ordinance (SportBootFSV).
What are the consequences of violations?
If drivers do not adhere to the blood alcohol limit for boats, this can be considered an administrative offence or a criminal offence, depending on the measured value. An offence against the 0.5 per mille limit can result in a fine of 350 to 2,500 euros for inland navigation and 750 to 2,500 euros for maritime navigation. In addition to the fine defined in the catalogue of fines, as in road traffic, there is also the threat of a driving ban, revocation of the driving licence and the ordering of a medical-psychological examination (MPU). From a blood alcohol level of 1.1, a criminal offence is also assumed on the water. This is then punishable in accordance with Section 316 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) and can result in a fine or a prison sentence of up to five years in accordance with Section 315a StGB.
It is also important to know that a violation of the drink-drive limit when boating can also affect your driving licence for motor vehicles. In the case of serious offences or a criminal offence, there is also a risk of revocation.
Time and again, the water sports police pull drunken skippers out of traffic. Just last week, the water police in Kiel reported two drunken sailors on Kiel's inner fjord. A 31-year-old skipper and his 40-year-old companion were both found to have an alcohol content of over two per mille. They were prohibited from continuing their journey and the sailing boat was taken into custody. Criminal proceedings were initiated against the skipper for drunk driving and an administrative offence against the accompanying person for operating on deck under the influence of alcohol. And on Monday, the Wolgast Water Police Inspectorate in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania apprehended a 56-year-old sailor who was found to have a breath alcohol concentration of 1.9 per mille. Criminal charges were also brought against him on suspicion of drink-driving, although he had already moored at the berth when the officers arrived. Remember: first moor up, then enjoy your after-work beer.
