Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

North Carolina law prohibits anyone from boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes operating any boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, water skis, a surfboard, or similar device while under the influence. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction time. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol in Chapter 5.

• You are considered to be boating while under the influence of alcohol if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or greater.
• Significant fines and, in some cases, jail time can result if you are arrested and convicted for boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The best thing you can do for your safety and the safety of your passengers and other boaters is simple— Don't drink and boat!

Areas of Impairment Due to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Because you can drink faster than your system can burn off the alcohol, there is an increasing level of alcohol in your blood. This level is referred to as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).