There’s hidden danger too. Common prescription medications — like those for heart or blood pressure – could possibly have side effects that can be multiplied by environmental stressors. So Boating Under the Influence or BUI is a factor even for those who don’t drink or use dangerous drugs. If you are unsure or have questions about your medications, contact your physician.
Levels of blood alcohol or medications that would have little impact on land can potentially cause a much greater degree of impairment for the operator of a boat.
That’s one reason BUI is a clearly identified contributor to approximately 34 percent of fatal boating accidents.
How Can Boating Under The Influence Affect Me?
It’s ILLEGAL to operate a boat — any boat, from a canoe, rowboat, or PWC to the largest vessel — under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs. The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies cooperate to enforce stringent state and federal laws. Penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and even jail terms.
If you are determined to be operating a vessel while intoxicated, the Coast Guard may board your vessel, arrest you, detain you, terminate your voyage until you are no longer intoxicated, or turn you over to state or local authorities.
Are You Under The Influence?
This table shows the approximate impact of alcohol consumption based on body weight. Remember that many factors — including waterborne stressors, prescription medications, and fatigue — can increase the effects. There is no “safe” threshold for operating a boat!
The asterisk ( * ) indicates estimated levels of impairment that could mean the individual is possibly influenced.
This table gives a guide to the average impact of alcohol consumption for the number of drinks that are consumed over a one-hour period.
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