BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 04 - Safe Responsible Boat Operation
The negative effects of drinking alcohol while boating include:
- A diminished sense of judgment and ability to process information—alcohol impairment will make you less attentive and will lessen your ability to make good, smart choices on the water.
- Slower reaction and reflex response times (you may not be able to avoid a collision with another boat if you are operating while impaired).
- Reduced motor skills, peripheral vision and balance, putting you at great risk of falling overboard.
- Poor depth perception, vision, focus and a reduced ability to distinguish colors (you must be able to see the navigation lights of other boats).
- Inner ear disturbances that make it more difficult to find the surface of the water if you fall overboard (not knowing up from down when underwater is terrifying!).
- Accelerated hypothermia (alcohol lowers the body’s resistance to cold).
Get your Official North American
Boating License
The Official NASBLA and State-Approved Boating Course, Test & License.
Get your Official North American
Boating License
The Official NASBLA and State-Approved Canada Boating
Course, Test & License.
