In Oregon the laws are quite similar if not the same as, the driving laws. They are not so heavily enforced though. It's an enforcement I'd be all in favor of. Of course I associate alcohol with divorce so my views might be warped... I have seen many accidents on the water, mostly when I had a ski boat, that were alcohol induced. Several were serious injuries. Whatever we do we need to respect the water and the others on it. Thats one of the things I like about the paddl'n crowd.

> " Is there a law against drinking (in moderation) while in command of
> a vessel?"

> I'm sure it varies from place to place. Up here, the laws are very strict
> and where I paddle (the Toronto area) is very tightly policed. A co-worker
> told me the crack down really got going after a Minister of Transport was
> arrested for drinking on his boat.

> I'm definitely not anti-alcohol, I used to drum in a punk band, but I'll
> never understand people who drink on the water or in camp grounds. It just
> seems contrary to whole endeavour. Aren't bars the place for getting
> wailed?

> I'm sure most people are reasonable, but up here the strict rules were
> brought in because they were sorely needed. There's been a big difference
> in the behaviour of boaters over the last ten years, and I suspect that
> has a lot to do with the alcohol ban.

> I think the only time I like to see police is when I'm on the water. Those
> big blue cop cruisers are definitely my favourite motor boats.