Boating Under the Influence

Person in handcuffs; law enforcement vessel in the background

Delaware law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI)—that is, operating a vessel, or manipulating water skis or similar devices, while under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or both. 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.

Delaware law states that a person is considered to be “under the influence” if:

He or she has a blood, urine, or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or…
He or she is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination of alcohol and drugs to a degree that impairs his or her normal mental or physical abilities to exercise clear judgment and take sufficient control and care in the operation of the vessel

Unit 4 of 6
Topic 4 of 19
Page 2 of 4

Previous Next Back to the Study Guide Index

Course Outline