Reporting an Accident

The operator or owner of a vessel involved in an accident must notify the Harbor Master immediately if a person dies or disappears.

The operator or owner of the vessel must file a written accident report with the Metropolitan Police Department if:

• A person dies or disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury or…
• A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid or…
• Damage to the vessel(s) or other property exceeds $200 or there is complete loss of a vessel.

A boating accident that results in the death, disappearance, or injury of a person must be reported in writing within 48 hours. All other boating accidents must be reported in writing within 10 days.

A boating accident report form is available from USCG’s website.