Blogs

Boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement is more than a legal obligation — it is a lifesaving mission. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers serve a vital role in upholding boating safety laws aimed at preventing loss of life, injury and property damage. By approaching BUI cases with the same diligence applied to DUI offenses, you help deter dangerous behavior, influence public perception and safeguard families from the tragic consequences of impaired boating.

To support this effort, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) partnered to deliver a series of in-person and hybrid classes designed to aid prosecutors working BUI cases. The classes highlighted key differences between DUIs and BUIs, phases of a BUI investigation, the seated Standardized Field Sobriety Test, trial preparation and trial themes.

The two organizations wrapped up the project by publishing a monograph titled Navigating the Waters of a BUI Prosecution, a comprehensive resource for law enforcement officers and prosecutors alike. This latest effort further demonstrates the steadfast commitment to public safety by NASBLA and the NDAA.