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A Boating Accident Report Must Be Filed When Any Person On Board A Vessel Disappears Under Circumstances Indicating Possible Death Or Injury
As the operator of a vessel you are required by law to file a formal, written report of an accident. There are four conditions that require you to fill out and send in a boating accident report.
A boating accident report must be filed when...
A life is lost due to the accident.
Someone is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid.
There is damage by or to the vessel and other property.
Any person on board a vessel disappears (under circumstances indicating possible death or injury).
Boating Accidents Include:
Capsizing
Falls Overboard
Collisions
Sinking/Flooding
Explosions
Disappearance
Fire
Damage is determined by federal regulation to be reportable when it exceeds $500 or there is complete loss of the vessel (Note: many states have set a limit less than $500 - contact the local boating authority to determine the amount).
You just ran your beautiful boat into a submerged rock and put a hole in your hull. No one is hurt, but you estimate boat repairs will cost about $800.
Your boat took on water and flooded overnight. Repairs for the damage cost $350.
Must you file an accident report in these scenarios? If you do, do you know how? Would you know where?
Reports Must Be Filed Within...
48 hours of the occurrence if a person dies within one day (24 hours of the accident).
48 hours if a person is injured and medical treatment beyond first aid is required.
10 days if there is only damage to the vessel and/or property.
All serious injuries and loss of life must be reported to local authorities immediately!
Who Must Fill Out The Form?
The form is usually filled out by the operator of the boat unless the operator is physically unable to complete the form. If that is the case, then the owner of the vessel must submit the form.
To obtain the forms and report the accident, call the State Boating Law Administrator where the vessel number was issued, or the state where the casualty or accident occurred if different.
If you need assistance in locating where to call within each state or territory, or reporting an accident, call the Coast Guard Infoline.
Why Must A Report Be Filed?
The information you supply is used to develop safety regulations and manufacturing standards for the benefit of the boating public. The information is also used in boating safety education programs and other boating safety initiatives. Without good data, a boating safety hazard might be completely overlooked and other boaters could be hurt or killed.
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