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Hello, boater! Washington's online boating course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Boat Washington course—the official boating safety course of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Washington certification.

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Washington law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated—that is, operating under the influence ( OUI). This means operating any vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor (alcohol) or any drug. 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. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol while boating.

Washington law states that a person is operating under the influence if he or she:

  • Has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight or ...
  • Is under the influence of or affected by alcohol and/or any drug.

Washington law establishes the following penalties for operating under the influence (OUI).

  • A person convicted of OUI may be imprisoned in the county jail for up to 90 days, be fined up to $1,000, or be penalized with both imprisonment and a fine. In addition, the court may order the defendant to pay restitution for any damages or injuries resulting from the offense.
  • If someone dies or is seriously injured as the result of another person boating while intoxicated, the convicted person also may be charged with a felony, punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional institution and a substantial fine.

Don't drink and boat!

Areas of Impairment Due to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Areas of impairment due to blood alcohol concentration

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).

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Online boating license and certification course last modified: July 13, 2011
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