Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Vessel Accidents & Casualties—What The Law Requires You To Do

An operator involved in a boating accident must stop their vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and:

• Aid anyone injured in the accident, unless doing so would endanger his or her own vessel or passengers.
• Give, in writing, his or her name, address and vessel identification to the other vessel’s operator, anyone injured and owners of any damaged property.

Vessel operators involved in an accident must report the accident in writing to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Accidents involving death, disappearance or injury also require notifying the DNREC by the quickest means possible.

• The operator must immediately notify the DNREC and immediately report the accident in writing to DNREC if a person disappears or is injured requiring medical attention beyond first aid as a result of the accident.
• The operator must immediately notify DNREC and report the accident in writing to DNREC within 24 hours if a person dies as a result of the accident.
• The operator must report the accident in writing to DNREC within 5 days if damage to the vessel and other property exceeds $500.

Written reports must be made on accident report forms supplied by the DNREC.