It's the Law: On the Water With Your Vessel

Vessel Accidents

• The operator of a vessel involved in an accident must submit a written report to the Alabama Marine Police Division if, as a result of the accident:
  • A person dies or disappears or ...
  • A person is injured and remains incapacitated for more than 72 hours or ...
  • Damage to the vessel and other property exceeds $50.
• Reports of accidents must be made within 10 days of the accident on the forms provided by Marine Police officers, the Marine Police Division, or the county sheriff’s office.
• An operator involved in a boating accident should stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and:
  • Give assistance to anyone injured in the accident.
  • Give their name, address, and identifying number of their vessel as well as the names and addresses of passengers to the other vessel’s operator and/or passengers.
• A uniformed Marine Police officer, county sheriff, or other authorized enforcement officer may arrest, at the scene of the accident, any person they reasonably believe contributed to the accident.
• A person who unlawfully and unintentionally causes the death of another person, while engaged in violation of any boating law or regulation, will be guilty of homicide.