Boating While Intoxicated
![Person in handcuffs; law enforcement vessel in the background](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1626/attachments/original/law-enforcement-arrested.jpg?1506337343)
Alaska law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI)—that is, operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol; an inhalant; a controlled substance; or any combination of alcohol, an inhalant, and a controlled substance. 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.
Alaska law states that a person is considered to be intoxicated if the person has a blood or breath concentration of alcohol of 0.08% or more as measured within four hours of the time of vessel operation.