The Transport Minister said that the current legislation was effectively adding fuel to the fire, as it does not require the compulsory use of life vests.
"In my opinion they should be worn. They are no good to anyone in the boat," she added.
Vehviläinen (Centre Party) also said that she intended to fast-track a proposal that would suspend the licenses of boaters found travelling at speeds in excess of 30 knots. In the interest of maritime safety, she said she would also lower the legal blood alcohol limits of boaters from the current 1 gram per millilitre to .5 grams per millilitre.
Police have also proposed lowering the legal blood alcohol limit of boaters match the requirement for vehicle drivers. And a recent poll has showed that the majority of Finns want to see tougher limits on alcohol use by boaters.
However, the Director-General of the Finnish Maritime Administration, Markku Mylly has said that lowering the legal blood alcohol limit of boaters won't have a significant effect on safety.
In an interview with the newspaper Keskipohjanmaa, he said that drunkenness rarely plays a part in boating accidents, and that many boaters drown in small lakes, which are not monitored by rescuers.