Boating Accident Reports

If you are in a boating accident, you must file a report with local law enforcement. This is required under federal law; not filing a report can result in fines and possibly jail time. 

When Is a Boating Accident Report Required?

Examples of when you’ll need to file an accident report include accidents that involve:

• Fatalities
• Missing persons
• Injuries requiring treatment
• Property damage

If involved in an accident, you’re required by law to do the following:

• Stop; identify yourself and your boat.
• Provide assistance, if you can, and if it is safe to do so.
• Take down all pertinent information, including the date, time, and conditions.
• File an accident report with the local authorities.