45 Vol. 83, No. 1 | Proceedings opportunities, like courses developed to help officers detect impairment and identify the type of chemical impairment, provide standardized training for law enforcement officers around the country. Considering the rapidly changing drug laws in many states, it is extremely important that enforcement efforts change and adapt. Since recreational marijuana use and possession is treated as non-criminal in many jurisdictions, little to no enforcement action is taken. Nonetheless, enforcement options must remain available when necessary and training is essential for this. Education and awareness efforts also continue within the judicial system. Part of the BUI training program includes segments on courtroom procedures and increas- ing the knowledge base of prosecutors and judges. The course, Effectively Prosecuting Boating Under the Influence Cases: Enhanced Training for Courtroom Preparation, is a Coast Guard nonprofit grant-funded project offered by NASBLA. This course has been instru- mental in the successful prosecution of BUI cases, espe- cially those that involve the seated SFST. Tips For Boating Sober Boating and other water sports are enjoyable recreational activities, but it’s essential to promote awareness regard- ing the dangers of BUI. Many recreational boaters may not realize that a boat qualifies as a vehicle and that its safe operation is a legal and personal responsibility. Consumption of alcohol can transform an otherwise pleasant outing into a potentially tragic event. Consider the following alternatives to consuming alcohol while on the water: • Bring a selection of refreshments—soft drinks, water, iced tea, lemonade, or non-alcoholic beer. • Prepare an ample supply of food. • Choose attire that will keep you and other passengers cool and comfortable. • Limit your excursion to a reasonable duration to reduce fatigue, bearing in mind that exhaustion can set in more rapidly on the water. If you wish to include alcohol in your day’s activities, it is advisable to organize gatherings at the dock, a picnic area, a boating club, or in your backyard. Select a venue where there is sufficient time between social activities and returning to your boat. Abstaining from alcohol while aboard is the safest approach to enjoying boating activities, as intoxicated passengers face an increased risk of injury and falling overboard. Stay sober and boat safe! About the author: Brian Moore retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2016, after serving more than 25 years on active duty. He currently serves as the program and operations analyst, as well as a boating safety and law enforcement specialist, for the Boating Safety Division’s Programs and Operations Branch, in the Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety at Coast Guard headquarters. Endnotes: 1. 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics. U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, 2025, https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational- Boating-Statistics-2024.pdf 2. 33 CFR § 95.020 3. Boating Under the Influence Dashboard. NASBLA, 2025, https://idash.nasbla. net/idashboards/viewer/?guestuser=guest&dashID=135&c=0&NRD=True 4. Operation Dry Water. NASBLA, 2024, https://www.nasbla.org/operationdry- water/resources/national-results 5. Ibid 6. Sea Tow Foundation Sober Skipper Campaign. Available online at Sober Skipper Program - Sea Tow Foundation. 7. Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Available online at https://www.madd.org. 8. 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics. U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, 2025, https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational- Boating-Statistics-2024.pdf 9. Burns, M., Moskowitz, H., 1977. Psychophysical Tests for DWI Arrest (US Department of Transportation Rep. No. DOT HS-802 424). National Highway Traffic Safety A boater under arrest for boating under the influence submits to a breath test on a Coast Guard boat near Sykes Creek, Florida. A boater arrested the first time for BUI can expect jail time and a fine up to $5,000. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bobby Nash
