Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Boating Accidents & Casualties—What The Law Requires You To Do

An operator involved in a boating accident must:

• Stop and render whatever assistance is necessary to any person involved in a boating accident unless it would endanger your own boat or passengers and …
• Give his or her name, address, and Certificate of Boat Registration information in writing to any injured person and to the owner of any damaged property.

You cannot be held liable for any civil damages for any assistance rendered in good faith and in a prudent manner.

Vessel operators involved in an accident must report it by the quickest means possible if the accident results in:

• Death or the disappearance of a person from a vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury or…
• Injury requiring first aid or medical attention or…
• Property damage exceeding $2,000 to all vessels, docks, etc. involved in the accident.

In the case of a reportable accident, the operator or owner must file an accident report form supplied by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Most reports of accidents must be made within 5 days of the accident. However, you must report an accident within 48 hours if a person: Dies within 24 hours as a result of the accident or… Is disabled for more than 24 hours or… Requires medical treatment for injuries or… Disappears from a vessel.