To raise public awareness on drink and drug boating, the Marine Department (MD) and the Hong Kong Police Force (Marine Police) on 27 December mounted a publicity campaign on the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance to the public.
The new legislation will be implemented on 1 January 2025, with a view to regulating drink and drug boating in Hong Kong waters, enhance marine safety and protect the safety of persons on board a vessel.
According to the Ordinance, any person involved in operating a vessel—such as those who control, navigate, pilot, or perform duties related to the vessel’s safety, security, and protection of the marine environment—will be committing an offence if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point where they cannot properly control the vessel or perform their duties.
This also applies if they have alcohol levels above the legal limit or any specified illicit drugs in their system. If convicted, the penalty can include a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to three years, and a lifetime disqualification from holding relevant qualifications.
Furthermore, a spokesman for the MD said, “The Ordinance will empower the MD and the Hong Kong Police Force to conduct compulsory approved tests on a person involved in operating a vessel or performing designated duties on board a vessel that is under way for alcohol or drugs after the occurrence of an accident, when the person is suspected of having committed a marine traffic offence. Such tests could also be administered during spot checks on vessels.”
