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

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

Vessel operators involved in an accident must report the accident by the quickest means possible if it has resulted in:

  • Death or ...
  • The disappearance of a person from a vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury or ...
  • Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid or ...
  • Property damage exceeding $500 to all vessels, docks, etc. involved in the accident.

Accident reports submitted by the operator(s) are confidential and are not admissible in court as evidence.

Report forms are available from Texas Parks & Wildlife offices, game wardens, and other marine safety enforcement officers.

As the operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident, you must give your name, address, and Certificate of Number in writing to any injured person and to the owner of any damaged property if you are involved in a boating accident.

Accident report forms are available from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Download a copy of the Texas Boating Accident Report in PDF format.

Sample boat accident report form

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