BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (BUI)
Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI). It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. This law pertains to most boats, from sailboats to the largest cruisers. Alcohol Effects
Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. It increases the
likelihood of accidents. The effect of alcohol is even more hazardous on the
water than on land. The motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray of
the boat accelerate a drinker's impairment. |
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The effect of alcohol can also be more dangerous to boaters. Boat operators
are often less experienced and less confident on the water than on the highway.
Recreational boaters don't have the benefit of experiencing daily boat
operation. In fact, boaters average only 18 days (average of 6 hours/outing) on
the water per year.
Alcohol creates a physical sensation of warmth that may prevent a person in
cold water from getting out before hypothermia sets in.
Passengers are also at greatly increased risk for injury and death -
especially if they are also using alcohol.
Colorado Laws
It is a misdemeanor for any person to operate a motorboat or sailboat or be in actual physical control of a motorboat or sailboat in this state while:
- Under the influence of alcohol;
- The amount of alcohol, as shown by analysis of such person’s blood or breath, in such person’s blood is 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per one hundred milliliters of blood or 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath at the time of the commission of the alleged offense or within two hours after operating a motorboat or sailboat if the evidence establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that such person did not consume any alcohol between the time of operation and the time of testing;
- Under the influence of any controlled substance, or any other drug which renders him incapable of safely operating a motorboat or sailboat;
- Under the influence of any combination of alcohol and any controlled substance, or any other drug, when such combination of alcohol and controlled substance or any other drug renders him incapable of safely operating a motorboat or sailboat.
- For the purposes of this subsection “under the influence of any controlled substance or any other drug” shall include the use of glue-sniffing, aerosol inhalation, or the inhalation of any other toxic vapor.
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