For the dog with a tendency to drift away from home has become a regular stowaway on the Island's ferry network.

Tony Smith, owner of the nine-year-old black Labrador, said his wild rover took to the waterways about six months ago.

And he admitted he had no idea Boaz -- named after the island -- had been busy gaining four sea legs.

Mr. Smith, of Paget, said: "We live up by the railway trail and he would follow tourists.

"We didn't know he was taking ferry rides until we heard it from the tourists that he did it.

"I do have a boat and Boaz has been on it once -- he must have liked it.'' Mr. Smith said Boaz' secret life as a seadog usually started at night after he finished eating.

He explained: "Around 6.30 p.m. I untie him and if he's not there in the morning I know to expect a phone call.'' Mr. Smith said he was told by visitors that Boaz usually catches the ferry from Paget and generally sets a westerly course.

But he added: "He goes all over the place -- on foot as well as by ferry.'' "Two weeks ago he was at Sonesta Beach. He walked there twice, Saturday and Sunday.'' Over the last six months, Boaz has visited the Surf Side Hotel and Belmont Hotel, both in Warwick, and the Robin Hood Restaurant in Pembroke.

Mr. Smith said: "He's been to town twice -- the time he went to the Robin Hood, the only way there in the time available was via ferry.'' Mr. Smith said Boaz used to be kept strictly in harbour by an invisible fence and electronic collar.

But he added his doggy deckhand was bitten by wanderlust after the collar broke.

Mr. Smith said: "It's not my intention to let him go wandering off.

"But the dog catcher knows him quite well. When Boaz turns up somewhere I just get a call.'' But at least Boaz does not have to pay for his trips -- for Mr. Smith reckons in human years, his maritime mutt is around 80.

Mr. Smith laughed: "I think he qualifies for a senior citizens' pass now.''