Definition of 'safe steering' of vessels and its 'impairment' by the influence of alcohol

An analysis of the tasks and functions which those in charge of a watercraft and a motor vehicle have differs greatly. This results from the external conditions of the road and shipping traffic, which show basic differences which are both functional and organisational features. Because of the strict rules as well as of the standard conditions of the roads and the traffic facilities and the similarities of the motor power and operation of a motor vehicle, the driver is able to drive his vehicle in the main mechanically and is also able to survey the traffic relatively easily and to foresee the behavior of the other road users. The captain of the ship is expected to follow the numerous rules of the shipping regulations and the sea route regulations backed up by his experience and his crew, apart from the fact that he has a completely accurate operations system in his not easily manipulated vessel. One must also take into consideration the external circumstances of which the recognition and surveyance is sometimes only possible for him by a complicated navigatory process. Here we see the necessity for the captain to abstain from any alcohol while at work which can be obtained by suitable rules in the accident prevention regulations of the seamen's society. Even the driver of a sports boat may be hindered to manoeuvre his ship in a safe way by the influence of alcohol and to endanger himself and others. Because of the essentially more favourable functional and technical suppositions, the demands are less important than those concerning road traffic and professional shipping. An essential contribution to make shipping traffic more safe may be obtained by using in case of sports shipping the regulations of the 'German Penal Code' concerning the 'relative driving incapacity' in road traffic.