Boat Cop Question

[Magnuman]

Just out of curiosity what are the laws governing Sailing- no auxilary engine- (Yes a Sailboat!) and being under the influence of alcohol?

[Boatcop]

Arizona OUI (BUI) laws only apply to motorized watercraft underway.
California's apply to any vessel underway, vessels under sail alone included.

[acatitude]

very interesting , opens many options , lol

[seanv]

HMMMMM :idea: blown 31' cat twinsail.... :crossx:

[HCS]

So tow a sail boat along with you.

[Rocky]

Good, don't pull me over when im chugging a beer and sailing through the channel :crossx: :crossx:

[VanDeano]

Arizona OUI (BUI) laws only apply to motorized watercraft underway.
California's apply to any vessel underway, vessels under sail alone included.
So are you saying it is legal for the driver to drink in a motorized boat as long as it is not running? For an example, if im just anchor out in the water.

[Boatcop]

So are you saying it is legal for the driver to drink in a motorized boat as long as it is not running? For an example, if im just anchor out in the water.
The key word is "UNDERWAY". Which means: Not Anchored, Moored, or Aground (Made fast to the shore)
Engine running has nothing to do with it.

[Classic Daycruiser]

Arizona OUI (BUI) laws only apply to motorized watercraft underway.
California's apply to any vessel underway, vessels under sail alone included.
Would that include a rubber raft? Is there a length in which "vessel" is defined? Lets say a 10' rowboat, or a kayak, or surfboard?

[Boatcop]

Would that include a rubber raft? Is there a length in which "vessel" is defined? Lets say a 10' rowboat, or a kayak, or surfboard?
Don't think a surfboard would would apply, but a rowboat, rubber raft, yes. Any thing that can transport persons or goods on the water. Here's the California definition:
(aa) "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft used or
capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except
either of the following:
(1) A seaplane on the water.
(2) A watercraft specifically designed to operate on a permanently
fixed course, the movement of which is restricted to a fixed track
or arm to which the watercraft is attached or by which the watercraft
is controlled.
The California Statute also applies the BUI laws to water skiing. Under the law, water skiing while impaired carries the same penalty as driving a boat while impaired.
Here's the definition:
bb) "Water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device" includes all
forms of water skiing, barefoot skiing, skiing on skim boards, knee
boards, or other contrivances, parasailing, ski kiting, or any
activity where a person is towed behind or alongside a boat.
And the wording of the law:
655. (a) No person shall use any vessel or manipulate water skis,
an aquaplane, or a similar device in a reckless or negligent manner
so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The
department shall adopt regulations for the use of vessels, water
skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices in a manner that will minimize
the danger to life, limb, or property consistent with reasonable use
of the equipment for the purpose for which it was designed.
(b) No person shall operate any vessel or manipulate water skis,
an aquaplane, or a similar device while under the influence of an
alcoholic beverage, any drug, or the combined influence of an
alcoholic beverage and any drug.
(c) No person shall operate any recreational vessel or manipulate
any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device if the person has an
alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more in his or her blood.