It's the Law: On the Water

Boating Accidents

An operator involved in a boating accident must stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident to:

Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her own vessel or passengers
Give, in writing, his or her name, address and vessel identification to anyone injured and to the owner of any property damaged by the accident

The operator of a vessel is required to submit a written report to the Massachusetts Environmental Police whenever an accident results in:

The death of a person
The disappearance of a person under circumstances that suggest any possibility of death or injury
Any injury requiring medical attention
Property damage exceeding $500

Accidents resulting in death or serious injury must be reported to the Massachusetts Environmental Police within 48 hours. All other accident reports must be submitted within five days.

Accidents should be reported on a Boating Accident Report form available from Massachusetts Environmental Police or you can also download it at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/boatrvsafe.htm.

Local Regulations

Many Massachusetts waterways have additional equipment and operational restrictions besides those covered in this handbook. Be sure to check with the harbormaster's office or local police department for local regulations before you go out.

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