When Is a Written Boating Accident Report Required?

You've been in a boating accident, but everyone is okay. However, as you survey the damage, you see that the other person's boat and the dock didn't fare quite as well.

Do you need to file a boating accident report?

Most states have their own rules and regulations about reporting boat accidents. However, is there a general rule to help answer the question, "When is a written boating accident report required?"

We think we can help! Keep reading to learn when you need to report a boating accident.  

When Is a Written Boating Accident Report Required?

In general, if you are in a boating accident, you must file a report with local law enforcement. Again, while your state may have specific rules or details about how to do this, filing a report is required under federal law.

Not filing a report can result in fines and possibly jail time. 

If you're not sure that a report is required, examples of when to file an accident report include accidents that involve:

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

What about if you run aground, your boat suffers some scrapes but nothing serious, no one is injured, and no other vessels or property are involved? You probably don't need to file a report in that case.

What Should You Do In a Boating Accident?

In addition to filing a boating report when property damage or injuries are involved, you have responsibilities as a boat operator to respond appropriately.

When involved in an accident, you are required to do the following:

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

Never leave the scene of an accident if another boat or people are involved. If your boat is the only boat involved but it suffers damage, or your passengers become injured through a collision, stop, assess everyone, render aid, and report the incident to local authorities.

Avoid Boating Accidents with Boater Education

We hope you're never involved in a boating accident — but if you are, be responsible, help others, and file the appropriate report.

The best way to avoid accidents is to learn safe boating practices through a boater education course. ilearntoboat teaches boaters everything they need to know about safety equipment, safe operations, and what to do if something goes wrong while boating. Our goal is to prepare boaters for many days of safe fun on the water!

So, before you get in a situation where you would need to file a written boating accident report, learn how to prevent it! Take the ilearntoboat boater education course for your state, enjoy the gamified experience, and then hit the water safely.

Originally published in 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for recency and accuracy September 13, 2024.