Drinking while boating in Ontario carries the same consequences as drinking and driving.
1
Boaters with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the 'warn range' of 0.05-0.08: Three-, seven- or 30-day driver’s licence suspension. Repeat occurrences lead to mandatory alcohol education programs or treatment programs and ignition interlock.
2
Boaters exceeding a 0.08 BAC or refusing to provide a breath sample: Immediate 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).
3
If convicted under the Criminal Code, the boater's driver’s licence can be suspended for one year up to a lifetime and can include: Mandatory alcohol assessment, education or treatment, and follow-up. Ignition interlock condition on their driver’s licence for one year to up to a lifetime. Vehicle impoundment for driving while under suspension.
The consequences apply to anyone caught drinking and operating motorized and non-motorized vessels, including powerboats, canoes, kayaks, jet-skis, sailboats, dinghies and other inflatable boats and rafts.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Transportation's website at: www.mto.gov.on.ca.