It's the Law: On the Water

Alcohol and Drugs

• Rhode Island law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI). This includes the operation of any powerboat, sailboat, personal watercraft, water skis, sailboard, or similar device. Intoxicated means a person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drugs such that his or her thoughts or actions are impaired, causing a danger to others.
• Rhode Island law sets the blood alcohol limit for boating while intoxicated at .08% or greater. Penalties are set according to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is detected.
• Rhode Island law establishes the following penalties for boating while intoxicated.
  • First conviction for offenders with a BAC of less than 0.10% carries a fine of up to $250, required community service of up to 60 days, loss of operating privileges for up to 45 days, and required attendance of a special course on BWI.
  • Convictions for offenders with a BAC of 0.10% or greater carry more severe penalties, including imprisonment.
  • Subsequent convictions within a five-year period carry much more severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and seizure of the offender’s vessel.

By operating a vessel on Rhode Island’s waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs if requested by a law enforcement official. Refusal to submit to testing carries a fine of $300 or more and loss of operating privileges for at least one year.

Why drinking and boating can be lethal …

• The effect of alcohol is increased by the natural stressors (wind, sun, vibration) placed on your body while boating. Also, the dehydration of your body caused by the natural stressors causes alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into your system. Research has proven that one-third of the amount of alcohol that it takes to make a person legally intoxicated on the road can make a boater equally intoxicated on the water.
• Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, affects judgment, and slows reaction time. Most people become slightly intoxicated after only one drink. Alcohol makes it difficult for you to pay attention, especially to multiple tasks. For example, it will be more difficult for you to keep track of two or more vessels operating in your area. This could become critical if you are placed in an emergency situation and must make a sudden decision.

Always designate non-drinking boaters to operate the vessel and to act as an observer if your group plans to consume alcohol. Never allow your skipper to continue operating if he or she is drinking.