It's the Law: On the Water

Boating Accidents

• An operator involved in a boating accident must:
  • Stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and ...
  • Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her own vessel or passengers and ...
  • Give, in writing, his or her name, address, and vessel identification to anyone injured and to the owner of any property damaged by the accident.
• 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.