Reporting an Accident

Vessel operators or owners must immediately report the accident to the Division of Boating and Waterways and any nearby enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the waterway. The operator or owner must also make a written report of a boating accident to the Division of Boating and Waterways if it has resulted in:

• Death or disappearance of a person
• Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid
• Property damage exceeding $500 to all vessels, docks, etc., involved in the accident, or the complete loss of a vessel

This written accident report must be submitted within 48 hours of the accident in cases involving death, disappearance, or injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid. In all other incidents where a written accident report is required, the report must be made within 10 days of the accident.

Report forms are available through most sheriff’s and harbormaster’s offices and many police departments. They may also be obtained online from the Division of Boating and Waterways website.