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Dear Sir,

In the spirit of the punishment fitting  the crime, I support the decision [Ferry pilot who was intoxicated loses licence for two years, BDA Sun, May 2] more or  less as has been reported.

But the apparent initial knee-jerk reaction to outright fire him was a little over the top.  

Punishment is supposed to be a deterrent to a repetition of the 'crime', but to remove him from  his position entirely would almost certainly guarantee he'll never be able to develop a meaning career; ever! That's a long time to pay the price for one mistake!

  It has been said that since he had the lives of the public literally in his hands, that was reason enough to dismiss him.  

Actually the same is true for the drivers of any vehicle - although in most cases to a lesser degree. The fact that he was drinking a product sold by non-licensed premises must also be considered. It was not your typical alcoholic drink; rum, gin, vodka or the like and I seriously doubt that he was aware of any alcoholic content at all.

  So at the end of the day, he  gets two years' suspension but keeps a job (at Marine & Ports) that keeps him from behind the wheel (of the ferry) and everyone's happy.  

Most importantly, he'll never make that mistake again!

I do question, however, the recommendation of his eligibility to re-sit the pilot's examination. Heck, just give him his job back! Make him take a driver's test if you must, but it's like riding a bike, you never really forget.

 

C.K. Simons Sandys[[In-content Ad]]

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