In fact, it's every bit as dangerous and illegal to mix alcohol and boating, and the Canadian Coast Guard put together this little quiz to see how much you know about it. Passengers on board a vessel are permitted to consume alcohol while the vessel is underway. The Criminal Code of Canada has different penalties for boating intoxicated than for drinking and driving. You are permitted to consume beer on board a vessel as long as it is not in bottles. You may legally consume alcohol while boating if there are washroom facilities on board the vessel.
Beer is less intoxicating than wine or liquor.
The police are responsible for enforcing the Canadian Criminal Code, which includes administering breathalyzers and laying charges if appropriate. Never allow anyone under the influence to operate your boat - remember that you are responsible. Make non-alcoholic beverages available. The information for this column was condensed from Alcohol and Boating Safety, a pamphlet of the Canadian Coast Guard.