RedactedNarrative: Operator 1 was southbound in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in central St. Johns County operating his 22' center console while impaired on the port side of the channel, contrary to USCG Navigation Rules.  He struck a northbound 18' center console vessel, occupied by owner/operator 2 and his wife almost head-on.  Operator 1 was arrested for BUI and provided breath samples of .156 and .157.  Both operators received either Uniform Boating Citations and/or written warnings for navigation rule violations.
  
  Operator 2 said that he was going approximately 20 MPH, heading north coming around the bend just south of SR312 Bridge, and  running as close to the green navigation markers as he could.  Just after he came around a bend, he saw Operator 1 coming towards him, estimated at 30 MPH.  Operator 2 said Operator 1 was on the green marker side (east side) of the channel running south.  
  
  Operator 2 turned to port to maneuver out of the path of Operator 1, but Operator 1 mirrored his maneuver.  At this point, Operator 2 "pulled back on the throttle" and went to idle speed.  Operator 2 waived his arms in the air and started yelling to get Operator 1's attention.  Operator 2 said he saw Operator 1's head down, not looking where the vessel was headed. At the last second, Operator 2 turned hard to port.  Operator 1's vessel struck Operator 2's on the starboard quarter near the stern, leaving damage where it made contact on the bow and the stern.
  
  Operator 1 said he left The Conch House around 1930 hours and headed home.  He said he always takes the turn at navigation marker 17 really "tight" and he did so this day.  He also said at this time he was going around 25 MPH and actively trying to connect his phone to his Bluetooth speakers. He looked up and saw Operator 2's vessel approximately 25 yards away and immediately powered down.  Operator 1 said they collided while he was going around 15 MPH.
  
  After the impact, Operator 1 said that he got close to Operator 2 and checked to see if he and his wife were okay. Operator 2 said they were both okay, but shaken up.  Operator 1 then offered to tow Operator 2 and his wife to Camachee Cove Marina since their vessel wasn't operating properly. 
  