The Harbors and Navigation Act 1993 (SA) outlines a number of offences that may apply when operating or acting as a member of a crew on a boat or water vessel.

It is an offence to operate a vessel and be so much under the influence of drugs or alcohol as to be incapable of exercising effective control of the vessel [s 70(1)]. It is also an offence to be a member of a crew and be so much under the influence of drugs or alcohol as to be incapable of effectively performing the required duties [s 70(1)].

A maximum penalty of a fine of not less than $1,100 and not more than $1,600, or a term of imprisonment for not more than 3 months, applies. Higher penalties apply for subsequent offences [s 70(1)].

Any person who operates a vessel, or a crew member who is engaged in duties affecting the safe navigation of the vessel, must not have a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or above, or any drugs in their system [s 70(2), (3)]. Different fines apply for these offences depending on the blood alcohol content level and whether it is a first or subsequent offence (see s 70(2), (3) for penalties).

Marine Safety Officers and Police Officers are authorised to conduct breath tests [s 71]. A drug screening test can also be administered by a police officer if a person has submitted to an alcotest or breath analysis [s 72].

It is an offence to refuse to comply with a direction to undertake an alcotest, breath analysis test, or drug screening test [see ss 71(8); 72(10)].

In the event of a boating accident and where a person aged over 10 years is taken to hospital, the treating medical practitioner has a duty to take a sample of the patient's blood to test it for the presence of drugs or alcohol [s 74].

Specific speed restrictions may also apply in certain circumstances, and an expiation notice or fine may be issued if these limits are not adhered to - see Harbors and Navigation Regulations 2023 (SA) reg 116. Some SA waters may also have specific, local speed restrictions, which are often sign posted near boat ramps and which must also be followed.

For more information on boat safety requirements, including in relation to life jackets, speed limits, and boat loading, see the Service SA SA Boating Safety Handbook.