During the afternoon/evening of Sunday September 4, Marine Unit Officers were conducting patrols and vessel safety inspections in support of Project Safe Water, a joint Hamilton Police & Hamilton Port Authority boating safety initiative.
Marine officers stopped an 18′ bowrider in the area of Harbour West Marina and found evidence of alcohol consumption.
The operator of the vessel, a 38 year old male of Hamilton, was issued a demand to provide a breath samples for the approved screening device. The man refused to provide a sample and was subsequently arrested and charged with the criminal offence for refusing to do so.
In addition to the charges, his driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days and police are seeking to suspend his boating privileges.
The man was later released on a promise to appear in court at a future date to answer to the charges. The boat was towed from the scene.
Charges: Refuse Breath Sample – CC 254(5), Operate Boat Underway with Open Liquor – LLA 32(2), Operate Pleasure Craft without Copy of Licence – CSA 101(b)