Citation

Kaatsch HJ, Thome M, Bilzer N, Grutters G, Grutters M, Reichelt JA, Lemburg D, Ritz-Timme S. Blutalkohol 2006; 43(3): 192-206.

Affiliation

Institut fur Rechtsmedizin, Universitatsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to specify the effects of alcohol on the performance of ship operators as a contribution to the development of new strategies against the risks of alcohol in water traffic. The nautical performance of 21 captains before and after alcohol consumption was assessed on a ship piloting simulator. The simulated scenarios represented passages of a container vessel through the German Bight. Performance was examined by nautical instructors according to standardised protocols. The protocols consisted of 9 categories in total. Impairment was undeniable. 18 of the 21 ship operators showed massive impairment in at least 5 different categories. The categories most severely affected were foresight and analysis of situation, concentration and accuracy as well as risk disposition. None of the participants were able to navigate the simulated ship with adequate safety after ingestion of alcohol. These findings, as well as the results of the heart frequency showed a reduction in perception, reaction time, vigilance and disproportionately autonomic reactions to alcohol. It can therefore be concluded that even low BACs (0.4 (per mille)) bear high risks in water traffic. A concentration above 0.1 (per mille) will impede the safe performance of ship operators. This should be considered in legislation and jurisdiction in Germany and a similar threshold value of 1.1 (per mille) as in road traffic is advisable.