20Breath analysis, &c., of persons involved in maritime accidents

20 Breath analysis, &c., of persons involved in maritime accidents

(1)  This section applies if –

(a) it appears to a police officer that a maritime accident has occurred; and

(b) the police officer reasonably suspects that a person was aboard a vessel involved in the maritime accident when it occurred.

(2)  The police officer may require the person to submit to a breath analysis or blood-sampling.

(3)  The police officer may impose the requirement whether or not –

(a) the police officer suspects that there is alcohol in the person's breath or blood; or

(b) the person is, or was when the maritime accident occurred, operating the vessel; or

(c) any vessel apparently involved in the maritime accident is underway.

(4)  If the police officer requires the person to submit to a breath analysis or blood-sampling, the police officer (or another police officer) may require the person firstly to submit to a breath test.