Victoria Police to roll out dockside drug testing trial
Boat and jet ski skippers will face on-the-spot drug tests from this weekend as part of a Victoria Police crackdownVictorian boat and jet ski skippers will face more delays getting on and off the water this summer, with Victoria Police announcing it will trial on-the-spot drug testing at boat ramps.
Victoria Police named some of the state’s busiest and most congested boat ramps – namely the Patterson River, Williamstown, St Kilda and Lake Eildon – as a focus for the first-ever water police-based drug testing trial.
Water police can already test boaters for alcohol, and have had the authority to also test them for drugs since 2012. The trial was introduced this year after concerns were aired that a growing number of drugged drivers being detected on the roads meant that more skippers were likely to be taking to the water while under the influence of illicit drugs.
The first series of tests by marine officers will start on Saturday, with the trial expected to end in March next year.
Anyone found with traces of drugs in their system will have their marine licence cancelled for three months and face potential fines of up to $2180.
They also could be banned from driving on the roads for up to 24 hours.
“The drug testing trial is the result of more than a year’s planning involving Victoria Police's Water Police Squad and Road Policing Command,” Victoria Police said in a statement announcing the trial.
Greater safety
“Victoria was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to introduce roadside drug testing, with the trial a major step towards greater safety on waterways.
“An evaluation will be completed mid next year. Testing could become permanent if the trial is successful.”
The trial is the first time that water police, and not road-based police officers, have conducted random drug testing. The on-the-spot testing will be the same as for on the road, with an oral sample to instantly detect drugs and a second sample sent to a laboratory for analysis.
"Boat and jet ski operators with illicit drugs in their system are not only a risk to themselves but to all water users,” Water Police Inspector Greg Barras said.
"This trial sends a clear message - this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.
"Water police will be out at boat ramps across the state this summer testing for drugs so there's a high chance we'll be at one near you.”
Victorian boaters also need to be vigilant around boat ramps and ensure they are wearing lifejackets even when driving boats on and off trailers if the vessel measures 4.8 metres or less.
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