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Dealing with an Accident

REPORTING BOATING ACCIDENTS

Should you find yourself involved in an accident, you must follow certain laws.

The operator or owner of any recreational boat is required to file a Boating Accident Report (BAR) if the boat is involved in an accident that results in:

  • Loss of life; or
  • Personal injury which requires medical treatment beyond first aid; or
  • Damage to the boat and other property damage of $2,000 or more; or
  • Complete loss of the boat.

Boat operators are required to report their accident to local authorities in the State where the accident occurred. Keep in mind that the $2000 dollars in property damage is a federal guideline--many states have reporting requirements that start at $500. Refer to the state boating law pages of this course for more information.

Click here to see a sample report.(opens new window)

Fatal Accidents

Immediate notification is required for fatal accidents. If a person dies or disappears as a result of a recreational boating accident, the nearest state boating authority must be notified without delay.

The following information must be provided:

  • Date, time and exact location of the accident;
  • Name of each person who died or disappeared;
  • Number and name of the vessel; and
  • Name and address of the owner and operator.

REPORTING TIMELINES

  • If a person dies, disappears from the boat, or there are injuries requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, a formal report must be filed within 48 hours of the accident.
  • A formal report must be made within 10 days for accidents involving property damage of $2,000 or more, or complete loss of a vessel.

Note: State requirements for Reporting Boating Accidents may be more stringent than Federal (i.e. some States require ALL boating accidents to be reported immediately). Check with the Boating Law Administrator in the State where the accident occurred for proper reporting procedures.