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

An operator involved in a boating accident must:

• Stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and …
• Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her own vessel or passengers and …
• 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 or owner of a vessel involved in an accident must report the accident to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

• If a person dies or disappears, the operator must notify NDOW immediately and then report the accident in writing to NDOW within 48 hours.
• If a person loses consciousness, requires medical treatment, or is disabled for more than 24 hours, the operator must notify NDOW immediately and then report the accident in writing to NDOW within 48 hours.
• If damage to the vessel or other property exceeds $500 or if there is a total loss of a vessel, the operator must report the accident in writing to NDOW within 10 days.

Written reports must be made on accident report forms supplied by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. An accident report form is in the back of this manual, and additional forms can be obtained by calling NDOW at 775-688-1500 or downloaded at the Nevada Department of Wildlife website.