It's the Law: On the Water

Accidents and Casualties

• You must stop and render the necessary assistance to any person involved in a boating accident unless the action would endanger your own vessel or passengers.
• You must give your name, address, and Certificate of Number information in writing to any injured person and to the owner of any damaged property if you are involved in a boating accident.
• The operator of a vessel, or each person on board, must report an occurrence without delay, by the quickest means available, to the nearest conservation officer, sheriff of the county, or nearest state police post when:
  • A person dies or ...
  • A person disappears from a vessel.
• The operator or the owner of a vessel must file an accident report form supplied by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
  • The form must be filed within 48 hours if:
    • A person dies within 24 hours of the occurrence or ...
    • A person loses consciousness, receives medical treatment, or is disabled for more than 24 hours.
  • The form must be filed within 5 days if:
    • Damage to the vessel and other property damage totals more than $2,000 or ...
    • A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.