2023 OWNER’S MANUAL
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BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be as deadly
as driving a car while under the influence!
Did you know:
• A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than a
vehicle driver, drink for drink?
• The penalties for BUI can include large fines, revocation of
operator privileges and serious jail time?
• The use of alcohol is involved in about one-third of all
recreational boating fatalities?
It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs in every state. The Coast Guard also enforces a federal law
that prohibits BUI.
Alcohol aects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.
These impairments increase the likelihood of accidents afloat for
both boat operators and passengers. U.S. Coast Guard data shows
that in boating deaths involving alcohol use, over half the victims
capsized their boats and/or fell overboard.
Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land.
The marine environment of motion, vibration, engine noise, sun,
wind and spray accelerate a drinker’s impairment. These stressors
cause fatigue that makes a boat operator’s coordination,
judgment and reaction time decline fast when using alcohol.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
A vessel underway, when hailed by a Coast Guard vessel, is
required to heave to, or maneuver in such a manner that permits a
boarding ocer to come aboard.
Other federal, state and local law enforcement ocials may board
and examine a vessel. The Coast Guard may impose a civil penalty
up to $1,000 for failure to comply with equipment requirements;
failure to report a boating accident; or comply with other federal
regulations. Failure to comply with the Inland Navigation Rules
Act of 1980 can result in a civil penalty up to $5,000. Details of
the Act are available online or through the U.S. Coast Guard and
the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
OPERATOR’S LICENSE
Some states are implementing operator’s license requirements.
These requirements vary widely. Many states now have
restrictions regarding age. If you are operating in a location where
minors are allowed to operate the boat, careful supervision by
an adult should be the rule of thumb always. Whether operating
a boat locally or in a remote location, operators should annually
verify with state and local authorities regarding whether a license
or training is required.
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