Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Table of Contents:

Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats

Operating a vessel while intoxicated became a specific federal offense effective January 13, 1988.

The final rule set standards for determining when an individual is intoxicated. If the blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% (.10% in some states) or higher for operators of recreational vessels being used only for pleasure, violators are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 or criminal penalty not to exceed $5,000, one year imprisonment or both.