Just a reminder on DUI(Dinghying-Under-the-Influence)

[micksbuddy]

I know most(if not all) of you wouldn't operate the big boat under the influence, but it's also something to keep in mind when dinghying to shore and back for a night out. I just read a letter in the latest Lats & Atts from a guy who says he's in the middle of an 8 month jail sentence for BUI, dinghying back to his boat anchored in Boot Key Harbor(Marathon), and I've heard of other cases of people getting busted for BUI in dinghys, particularly in Florida. Just something to remember if you go to shore for a few drinks, 'cause going to jail(especially for a significant period of time) could put a real crimp in a cruising plan!

[T37Chef]

My rule is no nav lights on the dingy, than the Po Po cant see you LOL

[Valiente]

This is why I only uncork the rum when docked or when I designate a non-drinking anchor watch.

It is a rare occasion when I will even have a can of lager while skippering, and I assure those reading that it is not because I am a "blue lighter". I just picture my 15 tonnes of steel cutter crushing a canoe because I was pissed at the helm and it kills any buzz I intended to cultivate.

Dinghy driving while sloshed is just asking for a drowning, in my view. I recall the lovely singer Kirsty MacColl, beheaded by a pisshead in a speedboat, as a cautionary, if unjust, lesson.

Kirsty MacColl - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[nolatom]

If you don't carry a motor, then you need only a flashlight while "underway". That's what the COLREGS say if you're less than 7 meters.

This is not to condone 'RUIN' (Rowing under the Influence), I know none of you would ever consider it. That way lies ruin.

[RickQuann]

In Virginia, you can be charged with BUI, i.e., Bicycling-Under-the-Influence.
Good grief, I guess skateboards, if not already, will be next.
Legislators run amok!

[arbarnhart]

I have seen some heated debates about whether or not a boat that is not docked must have a sober captain available at all times. The question is why is there an anchor watch? You know the answer and the follow on question...

Not saying I agree, just that I can see the point.

[arbarnhart]

Originally Posted by RickQuann

In Virginia, you can be charged with BUI, i.e., Bicycling-Under-the-Influence.
Good grief, I guess skateboards, if not already, will be next.
Legislators run amok!

This one has made the rounds many times:
YouTube - Steves Riding Lawn Mower DUI Arrest Video

If you are on a public road or waterway, I don't think your mode of transport matters much.

[southernsmoke]

Is it really possible to get a DUI if you're rowing and not under engine power?

[arbarnhart]

Originally Posted by southernsmoke

Is it really possible to get a DUI if you're rowing and not under engine power?

Probably, depending on the situation. Here are two entirely different ones:

1 - Row over from one moored boat to another, have dinner and a few glasses of wine afterwards, row back barely over limit.

2 - Zig zagging back and forth in the middle of the channel in a narrow stretch of the ICW stinking drunk.

#1 seems like something reasonable and not posing a risk to anyone else. #2 should get you arrested, IMO.

[AlanBrown]

Micksbuddy,

You can imbibe as much Nipper Juice as you want before dinghying back to your boat in the Abacos. From the background in your photo, I can see that you've discovered this fact already!

Great photo!