A vessel operator from Fergus, Ontario found out that impaired driving includes boats after his vessel was the subject of a vessel safety equipment check by the Southern Georgian Bay OPP marine unit.
Officers stopped the vessel near 7:15 p.m. June 16, 2022 while patrolling on Penetang Harbour and upon speaking with the operator of the vessel an impaired operation investigation was commenced.
As a result of the investigation David Wayne Embree, 66 years of Fergus, was charged with Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) and further with not having a vessel licence and secondly for not having a working flashlight contrary to the Canada Shipping Act.
The accused was released on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on June 30, 2022 and also faces a drivers licence suspension as per the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines. Vessel operators need to be aware that if you are convicted of an impaired driving offence while operating your boat, the penalties are the same as operating a vehicle.