What To Do After a Boating Accident...
What To Do After a Boating Accident
A boating accident can be a very stressful event. In many instances, the vessel operators never even saw it coming. The view forward may have been blocked by a large genoa sail. Noise and vibration from engines could have interfered with situational awareness. Because there is often no opportunity to pull off to the side of the road as there is with a motor vehicle accident, boating accidents could require quick thinking and immediate action.
▪ Provided you still have a boat under you, determine if anyone needs first aid or other immediate medical attention and render it to the best that circumstances permit.
▪ Contact the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol of Local Police Departments and tell them you were involved in a boating accident. Let them know if there is a need for emergency medical care. ▪ Provide your location and a physical description of the boats involved.
▪ Render assistance to the other vessel if you are able to do so.
▪ Once it appears that things are under control so far as urgent medical attention and the safety of the occupants of the vessels, exchange information with the other operator. Ask for, and provide:- Operator name - including address and telephone numbers- Names of the passengers - including addresses and telephone numbers- Names of eyewitnesses who witnessed the event from shore or another vessel.- Names of vessel- Registration number or other identification number of vessel (i.e. documented vessel)- Insurance company for the vessel- Insurance policy number
▪ If everyone’s medical needs have been met, and no one is in immediate danger, take photographs of both vessels, only AFTER these earlier-mentioned medical needs have been met.
▪ After getting to safety, file a boating accident report with the Coast Guard if necessary. A report must be filed if someone dies (God forbid), someone is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, damage to vessels and property meets or exceeds $2,000 (or there is a complete loss of a vessel), or someone disappears from a vessel under circumstances indicating death or injury. This is required by the code of federal regulations, under 33 CFR 173.55.
▪ Depending on where you live, you may need to file a boating accident report with the appropriate state agency also, such as a recreation and parks department, or other such entity.
▪ Notify your insurance carrier of the accident as soon as practicable. Give them copies of paperwork or reference numbers issued by the Coast Guard or law enforcement vessels, including citations issued, if any. Fill out their questionnaires and return them in a timely manner.
To those reading this... I hope you never have an accident, and I hope these recommendations are something you never need to carry out.
Smooth sailing and safe boating
▪ Contact the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol of Local Police Departments and tell them you were involved in a boating accident. Let them know if there is a need for emergency medical care. ▪ Provide your location and a physical description of the boats involved.
▪ Render assistance to the other vessel if you are able to do so.
▪ Once it appears that things are under control so far as urgent medical attention and the safety of the occupants of the vessels, exchange information with the other operator. Ask for, and provide:- Operator name - including address and telephone numbers- Names of the passengers - including addresses and telephone numbers- Names of eyewitnesses who witnessed the event from shore or another vessel.- Names of vessel- Registration number or other identification number of vessel (i.e. documented vessel)- Insurance company for the vessel- Insurance policy number
▪ If everyone’s medical needs have been met, and no one is in immediate danger, take photographs of both vessels, only AFTER these earlier-mentioned medical needs have been met.
▪ After getting to safety, file a boating accident report with the Coast Guard if necessary. A report must be filed if someone dies (God forbid), someone is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, damage to vessels and property meets or exceeds $2,000 (or there is a complete loss of a vessel), or someone disappears from a vessel under circumstances indicating death or injury. This is required by the code of federal regulations, under 33 CFR 173.55.
▪ Depending on where you live, you may need to file a boating accident report with the appropriate state agency also, such as a recreation and parks department, or other such entity.
▪ Notify your insurance carrier of the accident as soon as practicable. Give them copies of paperwork or reference numbers issued by the Coast Guard or law enforcement vessels, including citations issued, if any. Fill out their questionnaires and return them in a timely manner.
To those reading this... I hope you never have an accident, and I hope these recommendations are something you never need to carry out.
Smooth sailing and safe boating