Fish-Hawk.Net

Hi,
Can you get fined for having alcohol on board your boat? From what I see in the regs, you just can't be under the influence when operating the boat. Am I reading this wrong?
Thanks

I think the rules are same as on the road...Not under the influence and no open liquor.
But you can transport unopened liquor in a boat to be consumed later. There are exemptions with type/size of boat... privys onboard... and anchored but I'm no expert.
But maybe someone knows the exact law?

If the boat does not have a toilet (head) then it would be considered other than residence. If you have open booze you need to have the above and be anchored or docked.

Here's how it works, You can not be found consuming booze unless your anchored. You must have a head (toilet) & a galley (kitchen) on board. You can not take a beer(s) with you to go fishing. If you are caught impaired you can not loose your licence BUT it counts as an impaired charge & if you get caught driving a vehicle impaired it counts as your second offence. If the officer asks you what is in the cooler you are not obligated to open the cooler.
Quadcab

HI evrybody


ITS OK on the quebec to have a open bottle, and the people in the
boat can drink but not the driver, he as to be onder .8 alc......

joco

Alcohol and Boating

Driving Under the Influence

Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Operators with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood are liable to the following fines :

1st offence : at least $600 fine
2nd offence : at least 14 days of imprisonment
3rd offence : at least 90 days of imprisonment
The maximum sentence may vary depending on provincial statutes.

Consumption of Alcohol

Alcohol may be consumed on board the vessel if it meets all of the following conditions:

-The vessel has permanent sleeping facilities
-The vessel has permanent cooking facilities
-The vessel has a permanent toilet
-The vessel is anchored or secured alongside a dock

The simple answer is don't even take it on board. Ask yourself is it worth the hassle !

John's reply pretty well sums it up!
Quadcab

joco wrote:HI evrybody
ITS OK on the quebec to have a open bottle, and the people in the
boat can drink but not the driver, he as to be onder .8 alc......
joco

I've heard this before too Any confirmations out there?

quadcab wrote:Here's how it works, If the officer asks you what is in the cooler you are not obligated to open the cooler.
Quadcab

You may not be obligated, although I find that hard to believe, Salmon??? However, not obliging would not be recommended

There's so many opportunities to drink and have a good time on shore safely.. i don't see why it's a big deal that it's kept off our waters

Keep the booze on shore where it belongs

Then how are u supposed to measure the fish?

Thanks for all your help!

John is right..dont take it. Officer cant search your boat...unless you leave evidence which can be as simple as a beer cap. If evidence is seen then can search.. But..saying that a conservation officer can search any and all areas of your boat. They have more powers of search and dont need a warrant for your boat...and they are sworn provincial offences officers. bottom line charges would get laid. So you could say no to the police if there was no evidence of an offence , but then you better make sure that every item required on your boat is in place..because the more you refuse..the harder they are going to look..licence,ownership...get your papers in order...

Hey Salmon.....I was told that near beer was included....because it has achohol...and the law states ....no consumtion of achohol ....is this right!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe a stupid question, but

Can a CO or OPP Officer search the person? This being said, say that there is no evidence of booze in the boat, or that you have been drinking, but that an officer is just being overly thorough or wanting to give you a hard time. Does the individual have right to refuse being searched, and, under what premise might they have that right?

I only ask because, say I want to carry a small flask in my coat because I sometimes need to enjoy that burning sensation I get in my esophagus when I swallow a hefty swig of a fine single malt.

Not being a drunk, it's nice to just have options. Wouldn't you folks agree?

Fishermen er people are not liars they just can't see well enough (impaired) to measure the fish properly. No booze on or in my boat if you wanna, you stay on shore and that's final!!!