Reporting Boating Accidents
All operators of vessels involved in an accident must remain at the scene and assist any other vessel or person involved in the accident if it is possible to do so without endangering their own vessel or the people aboard. The operator must also give his/her name, address and vessel identification number to the other boat operator(s) or owner of the damaged property.
The operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident which results in any of the circumstances noted below shall immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency and, within 48 hours after the accident, report the matter in writing on a form provided by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Boating Division:
- The death of any person from whatever cause.
- The disappearance of any person from on board.
- The injury of any person sufficient to require medical attention beyond simple first aid.
- Any accident in which the total damages to all property affected is in excess of $500 must be reported by the operator within 5 days after the accident on forms provided by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Boating Division.
The operator of the boat must make out the report. If for any reason the operator cannot make out the report, the owner or survivor of the accident should initiate the report. (Operators are required to report, even if a law enforcement officer has also filed a report.) For forms or answers to questions, please contact the Boating Division at 860-434-8638, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.