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Course Outline

Operating Under the Influence

Person in handcuffs; law enforcement vessel in the background

Maryland law prohibits anyone from operating under the influence (OUI). This includes operating any vessel while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. 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.

Maryland law states that a person is considered to be OUI if he or she:

  • Has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater or…
  • Is impaired by alcohol or…
  • Is so far impaired by any drug, combination of drugs, or combination of one or more drugs and alcohol that he or she cannot operate a vessel safely or…
  • Is impaired by any controlled dangerous substance.
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  • Topic 4 of 20
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