Govt mulls tougher law for boating

The government plans to bring amendments to the law on boating so as to tighten the criteria for running a boat, reported the Finnish language daily Savon Sanomat on Monday.

Under the new law expected to come into force from next year, boaters may require mandatory use of life vests for the children, face specific embargo to use alcohol, and observe speed limit during the cruise, said the report.

Government officials are now drafting the new law streamlining 18 different statutes on boating, which could be monitored easily through electronic devices.

Sweden is considering enacting a law with the provision for mandatory use of life vests for the children under 15 years while travelling by pleasure boats.

In Norway, the use of vests is also must for anyone onboard a boat under eight metres in length.

The captain of the boat is responsible to ensure the use of life vests by the children under 15 years old.

Boaters rarely encounter alcohol monitoring authorities in waterways. The monitoring in practice will work the same way as in road traffic as it involves the use of breathalyser.