MCA Editorial·July 2026
Sun, wind, motion, glare, fatigue — all of them multiply the effects of alcohol.
The 0.05 you'd feel on a couch feels closer to 0.08 at the helm.
The person impaired is always the last to know.
The Law
Random breath testing applies on the water in every Australian state. Limits mirror road limits for open licences, with zero tolerance in some categories. Drug testing is increasing.
The Physiology
Balance, reaction time, judgement of distance and colour vision all degrade before you feel drunk. A slippery deck at low speed is enough to catch out an impaired skipper.
The Culture Shift
Ten years ago, a beer at the helm was normal. Today it isn't. The community expectation has moved faster than the law in most places, and the good skippers moved first.
Rule of Thumb
- Nominate a sober skipper before the first drink is poured.
- Save the drinks for anchor, not underway.
- If in doubt, don't drive — swap seats.
Things to Think About
- Would you drive your car with your current blood alcohol?
- Is your crew comfortable saying 'you've had enough'?
- What does your boat culture teach the youngest people aboard?
Key Takeaways
- Water amplifies the effects of alcohol.
- Testing on the water is real and increasing.
- The good skippers moved to zero underway years ago.