OPP out on the water

Members of the North Bay OPP Marine Unit will be out and about between now and the end of the month checking to see if vessels are complying with all the rules and regulations.

Cst. Marvin Miller of the North Bay OPP is the marine officer with the North Bay Detachment .

He says the top job is to ensure that people have life jackets on board and that they fit properly.

Miller says if you don’t want to wear a life jacket have it nearby because it needs to be readily available for when it is needed and that could be any time.

He says other keys will be checking the load capacity of each boat and ensure it’s being met and advising people that they must be tying their boat to the dock so it doesn’t float away as police have to address these instances and take them away from more serious calls.

Miller says their checks will also include the drinking and boating issue.

He says it is against the law to have the boat sitting in the middle of water and someone drinking.

He likens it to someone pulling over on the highway and having a drink.

He says that wouldn’t be allowed and neither is similar behavior on the water.

Miller says the vessel must be anchored or tied to a dock and must have permanent cooking, sleeping and washroom facilities for any alcohol to be consumed.