Reporting an Accident

Vessel operators must report accidents immediately and file a written report of the accident.

• Immediate Report: When an accident occurs that requires a written report, the operator must, without delay and by the quickest means available, notify the Virginia DWR in Richmond, Virginia, or the most immediately available member (Conservation Police Officer) of the department’s law enforcement force and give:
  • The date, time, and exact location of the occurrence and...
  • The major details of the accident, including the name of each person who died or disappeared and...
  • The number and name of the vessel and...
  • The names and addresses of the owner and operator.
• Written Report: Here are the requirements for written reports.
  • In addition to the required notification, the operator of a vessel must submit a written casualty or accident report to Virginia DWR when, as a result of an occurrence that involves the vessel or its equipment:
    • A person dies or...
    • A person is unable to perform normal or usual activities or...
    • Damage to the vessel and other property damage totals more than $2,000 or complete loss of the vessel or...
    • A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate probable death or injury.
  • A written report must be made:
    • Within 48 hours of the occurrence if a person dies within 24 hours of the occurrence or if a person is unable to perform normal or usual activities or if a person disappears from a vessel or...
    • Within 10 days of the occurrence or death if an earlier report is not required.
• When the operator of a vessel cannot report the accident as required:
  • Each person on board the vessel must notify Virginia DWR or a member of its law enforcement force immediately or determine that the immediate notice has been given and...
  • The owner of the vessel must submit the written report.
• Virginia boating accident report forms can be obtained from any office of the Virginia DWR or on the Virginia DWR website.