Rules at sea in Denmark: alcohol and responsibility
The fixed 0.50 alcohol limit applies only to leisure vessels from 15 metres, planing speedboats requiring a speedboat certificate, and jet skis. Every other boat falls under a judgement rule: you may not sail so impaired that you cannot safely discharge your duties.
Denmark does not set one alcohol limit for all boats. The fixed limit covers a defined set of vessels, and everything else falls under a judgement-based rule that is harder to navigate — but no more forgiving.
The fixed limit is 0.50 — but not for every boat
The fixed limit of 0.50 applies to vessels for which a competence requirement is set for the operator or any mate, and to jet skis and similar craft.
Concretely that means leisure vessels 15 metres (just under 50 ft) or longer, speedboats requiring a speedboat certificate — the planing ones — and jet skis and similar craft.
The rules apply to anyone operating a vessel or performing work on board in a role of significant importance to safety. On the leisure side that is typically the master, the helmsman and the navigator, but a lookout can be covered too.
If your boat has no fixed limit, this applies
Outside the fixed limit a clear rule still binds you: you may not sail in a state where alcohol or other intoxicants leave you unable to discharge duties of significant importance to safety in a fully sound manner.
Your blood alcohol level weighs heavily in that assessment, but it always comes down to a concrete judgement of whether you could carry out your duties safely. The absence of a fixed limit is not the absence of a rule.
Canoes, kayaks and rowing boats too
The general prohibition on sailing while too impaired to handle the craft in a fully sound manner also covers canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and similar craft propelled by muscle power.
In harbour and at anchor
On the leisure side the fixed limit does not apply while the vessel is moored in harbour or lying at a sheltered anchorage.
The general provision still applies at a sheltered anchorage, however. You must remain able to discharge your safety duties — securing the mooring or the anchor, and showing navigation lights where required.
Handing over the helm does not hand over responsibility
If you let a friend take over the steering, both of you can be charged. As master you carry ultimate responsibility for the voyage, and you must be able to discharge that duty in a fully sound manner — potentially even below 0.50.
Handing over the wheel can leave you liable for the offence even though you took no physical part in navigating, precisely because you are the one ultimately responsible.
Fines and loss of certificates
Below 2.00, the fine is one month's net income multiplied by the reading. The minimum fine is DKK 1,500, and DKK 3,000 for spouses without their own income.
The police may seize your certificates temporarily, your speedboat certificate among them, and a court may disqualify you from operating a vessel. Disqualification may be conditional or unconditional depending on the reading and on any earlier disqualification.
Common questions
What is the alcohol limit at sea in Denmark?
The fixed limit is 0.50, but it covers only leisure vessels from 15 metres, planing speedboats requiring a speedboat certificate, and jet skis and similar craft. Other boats fall under a judgement rule: you must not be unable to safeguard safety.
Does the fixed limit apply to an ordinary six-metre boat?
No, unless it is a planing speedboat requiring a certificate. But the general rule always applies: you may not sail so impaired that you cannot discharge your safety duties soundly.
Can I drink while the boat is in harbour?
The fixed limit does not apply while a leisure vessel is moored in harbour or lying at a sheltered anchorage. At anchor the general provision still applies — you must be able to secure moorings, anchor and lights.
My friend was steering. Can I still be charged?
Yes. As master you carry ultimate responsibility for the voyage and can be charged even if you took no physical part in navigating.
How large is the fine for boating under the influence in Denmark?
Below 2.00 it is one month's net income multiplied by the reading. The minimum fine is DKK 1,500.
Sources
This guide is general information about the rules in Denmark as they stand today, not legal advice. Rules change, they differ between countries, and local regulations can be stricter. Always check what applies in the waters you are heading into.
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