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 his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and …
• Render aid to other persons affected by the accident and …
• Give, in writing, his or her name, address, and vessel identification to the other vessel’s operator and/or passengers.

The operator or owner of a vessel involved in an accident must notify immediately, by the quickest means possible, the sheriff of the county in which the accident took place if any of the following occur:

• A person dies or disappears or …
• A person is injured or …
• Damage to the vessel and other property exceeds $500.

Written reports of accidents involving only property damage must be made within 10 days of the accident. However, you must file an accident report within 48 hours in cases involving a death, disappearance, or injury.

Boating accident report forms can be found at any sheriff’s department office or by calling the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 208-334-4199.

Boating Accident Report Form