In Nova Scotia, the RCMP treats all cases of drunk boating the same that they would treat a case of drunk driving. The fines and penalties are the same in order to reflect the severity of impaired driving – whether your vehicle is a car or a boat! Under no circumstances is the captain of a boat to be operating under the influence of alcohol as it can impair your judgement and reactions. We all want to enjoy life on the water, and being a smart and sober captain helps to make that a reality.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, any persons operating a motorized vehicle with any Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) is committing an offence, even if their BAC is under 0.08. The penalties vary depending on the offence, and can even result in loss of insurance and loss of employment. Below is a list of penalties associated with drinking and boating in Nova Scotia
- Operator will be fined $600 – $2,000
- Driving privileges revoked for one year after date of conviction
- Must complete an Addiction/Drug Dependency Services assessment program at a cost of $455.00 to the operator
- Operator must reinstate their license at a cost of $124.60
- May be required to recertify their proof of competency
- Operator will be fined $600 – $2,000
- Possible prison sentence of at least 14 days
- Driving privileges revoked for three years after date of conviction
- Must complete an Addiction/Drug Dependency Services assessment program at a cost of $455.00 to the operator
- Operator must reinstate their license at a cost of $124.60
- Must recertify their proof of competency
- Operator will be fined $600 – $2,000
- Possible prison sentence of at least 90 days
- Driving privileges revoked indefinitely after date of conviction (minimum ten years)
- Must complete an Addiction/Drug Dependency Services assessment program at a cost of $455.00 to the operator
- Operator must reinstate their license at a cost of $124.60
- Must recertify their proof of competency
Much like the rest of Canada, passengers in a boat are permitted to consume alcohol onboard, but not while underway. The requirements are that the vessel have a permanent toilet, cooking facility and sleeping area, and must be anchored or moored. The captain is responsible for ensuring that before leaving the moorage all passengers have finished their beverages.
Nova Scotia’s beautiful waters are extremely hard to resist, so our boaters want to be on the water every day. Make boating on our waters more enjoyable by vowing to be a safe and sober operator. If you have any questions about the associated penalties and fines in Nova Scotia, direct them to the RCMP. They will be able to give you in depth information about the fines and the regulations in specific areas. You can learn more about how to become a certified, safe boater here!