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.

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.

Wyoming Defintion of BUI

No owner of any watercraft or person having charge or control of a watercraft shall authorize or knowingly permit it to be operated by any person who is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or combination thereof in violation of subsection (c) of this section.

No person shall operate or be in actual physical control of a watercraft if the person:

• Is under the influence of alcohol;
• Is under the influence of a controlled substance; or
• Is under the influence of a combination of the elements named in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph.
• Has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of ten one‑hundredths of one percent (0.10%) or more; or
• Has an alcohol concentration of ten one‑hundredths of one percent (0.10%) or more as measured within three (3) hours of the time of operation or actual physical control.

Operation of Watercraft by Person Under Disability Prohibited

It shall be unlawful for the owner of any watercraft or any person having such in charge or in control to authorize or knowingly permit the same to be operated by any person who by reason of physical or mental disability is incapable of operating such watercraft under the prevailing circumstances.