In South Carolina, it is a serious misdemeanor, with penalties comparable with those of DUI, to operate a moving boat or other watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating drugs.  This charge is called boating under the influence (BUI).

For the state to convict an individual of a BUI (Boating under the Influence), they have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• the person was operating either (1) a moving motorized watercraft or (2) a watercraft undersail on the water, and
• that the person was under the influence of alcohol or some other drug, and
• that the person’s faculties to operate the watercraft were materially and appreciably impaired.

Basically, the state has to prove that you had a drug in your system and you were not capable of operating boat safely.

The law provides that it can be presumed, just like with DUI, that an individual is incapable of operating a boat safely, the person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was .08% or higher.

See Also:

SC BUI Penalties

SC BUI: Implied Consent Law