If You Are in a Collision

If you are involved in a collision and you are still in the pleasure craft:

• Stop the engine.
• Make sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket or PFD.
• Check to see if anyone is injured. If so, help them to the best of your abilities.
• Check to see if your pleasure craft is leaking or flooding. If it is:
• Turn on the bilge pumping system if you have one or…
• Try to fix the leak or…
• Use your bailers or manual bilge pumps to try to keep the boat afloat.
• Summon help using your visual signals or your VHF marine radio. Be sure to give your location and a description of your pleasure craft to the person you contact.
• Assist the other boat and its passengers if possible.
• Exchange name, address, and boat identification with any other operator involved in the collision.
• Take pictures in case you need them for an insurance claim.