DUI and BUI

Almost every driver knows the dangers of DUI: Driving Under the Influence; but how many sailors have heard about BUI:  Boating Under the Influence?

Statistics show that operating a boat after or while drinking is likely to become physically and mentally impaired more quickly than when driving an automobile. Alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities, and the penalties for BUI include fines, revocation of privileges and sometimes jail.

The only difference between DUI and BUI is that while many people drive their car to a party to drink and then drink too much; but too often in BUI: the boat itself is the party!

The Coast Guard enforces BUI laws that cover ALL boats, from canoes, rowboats, sail and power boats up to the largest ships afloat, including foreign vessels operating in U.S. waters as well as any American vessel on the high seas, regardless of its location. We know that alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination and increases the likelihood of accidents. Coast Guard data shows that in boating deaths involving alcohol use, over half the victims capsized their boats and/or fell overboard.

Alcohol abuse is even more dangerous on the water.  Boating creates motion, vibration, exposure to sun, wind and spray; all conditions which accelerates the side effects caused by alcohol, fatigue, loss of coordination, judgment and reaction time. That, added to the fact that many boaters are less experienced sailing a boat than they are driving a car.

Responsible boat owners know the risks and responsibilities of boating, not only for their passengers, but for the boat itself. Part of that responsibility is to keep their boat well- maintained and protected.  CMC Canvas LLC provides quality canvas coverings for boats to ensure that your boat is protected in and out of the water.