Boating While Intoxicated

Alaska law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI)—that is, operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol; an inhalant; a controlled substance; or any combination of alcohol, an inhalant, and a controlled substance. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

Alaska law states that a person is considered to be intoxicated if the person has a blood or breath concentration of alcohol of 0.08% or more as measured within four hours of the time of vessel operation.