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

By law, you must stop and render whatever assistance is necessary to any person involved in a boating accident unless the action would endanger your own boat, crew or passengers.

By law, boat operators involved in an accident must report the accident by the quickest means possible to the county sheriff where the accident or incident occurred if it has resulted in:

• Property damage of $2,000 or more or …
• Total loss of a boat or …
• Personal injury or …
• Fatality.

If a second boat or other property is involved, the operator must provide his or her name and address, the boat registration number, and the owner’s name and address to the other operator or owner.