southace said..
Afloat has been discussing this for some time the conclusion I last read was that the master in charge even at anchor must be under 0.05.

And that makes perfect sense as you are still responsible for any people on board as well as yourself. Don't know about other states but here in NSW every piece of paper from RMS is plastered with a sign that states "You're The Skipper, you're responsible"

www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/campaigns/other.html

southace said..

brizzydave said..
I'm a knob head I know. :-) merry Christmas guys. Really nice to read and learn the whole year. Hope the new boat is working out good spongey.

Don't drink and row mate you might bump into a RBT or catch a crab and end up on your back!

Can you get done by the RBT guys while rowing a boat as well?? This reminds me of the guy, many years ago, who was the charged by the police for DD (we used to call it Drink Driving for all you sound whippersnappers who are wondering what DD is). He was caught (over the limit) using rollerskates while dresses in a TuTu. Apparently he was coming home form a fancy dress party!!! When he got to court the beak threw the case out. But I suppose times have changed now and he might not be so lucky if caught doing the same thing today. These days you'd probably get booked if you were in charge of a blow up tyre tube while down the beach with the kids. (just joking)

Firstly- Guys, lighten up, personal criticism is not welcome, stick to the topic.

Second, the key point of the OP is the dangers of companionway stairs. I often look in amazement at the design of modern production yachts which seem to have very few handholds, and very wide cabins. Some of them only token handholds on the side of the companionway steps. Add to this the flat forward hull sections which promote slamming in a seaway, and it is surprising they have not been sued for negligent design. (That I know of anyway.)

Third, alcohol consumption on a boat is part of the Australian tradition, but is obviously not a smart thing to do if in charge of a vessel underway. At anchor, I love my wine with dinner, but try to stay under the limit. Just like driving, if the skipper wants to get blotto when at anchor, all he has to do is nominate an alternate skipper who will stay sober, and control the boat if the anchor drags or anything comes up

I thought you can get done for DUI when on a push bike. (Not a rego sticker to be seen anywhere) Pushies are sort of like a row boat on water.

Horses aren't registered either, but get caught being drunk on one and the charge is "Riding in a furious manner"

Here is the Afloat article.