It's the Law: On the Water

Accidents and Your Responsibilities

• Vessel operators involved in an accident, collision, or other casualty must immediately inform the Missouri State Water Patrol of the accident.
• The operator also must file an accident report form supplied by the Missouri State Water Patrol if:
  • A person dies or disappears or ...
  • An injury occurs causing any person to lose consciousness, require medical treatment, or be disabled for more than 24 hours or ...
  • Damage to the vessel and other property exceeds $500.
• Most reports of accidents must be made within 5 days of the accident. However, you must file an accident report form within 48 hours if a person dies or is injured as a result of the accident.
• It is also the duty of any operator involved in a boating accident to render all necessary aid and assistance, so far as is possible without endangering his or her own passengers or vessel.
• An operator will be guilty of leaving the scene of an accident if he or she knows injury or damage has occurred as a result of the accident, but he or she fails to stop and give the other party or a law enforcement officer the following information:
  • His or her name and address
  • The vessel registration number
  • His or her driver's license number

Reporting an Emergency

In case of an emergency, call the Missouri State Water Patrol. If you are reporting an accident, make a mental checklist of all information prior to placing the call for help.

• Describe your emergency to the dispatcher.
• As requested, provide the dispatcher with the following information:
  • Your name
  • The location of the accident
  • The kind of help you need (towing, medical help, etc.)
  • The nearest location to send an ambulance
  • The name of the vessel operator and any other persons involved in the accident (if known)
  • A description of the vessel(s) involved with registration number(s)
• If you are calling from a cell phone, give the dispatcher the cell phone number. It may be necessary for the dispatcher to contact you for more information prior to an officer's arrival.
• When you are talking to the dispatcher, try to remain calm so that important information is not overlooked. If certain information is omitted, it could take longer than necessary for an officer to respond to your location. Your patience and cooperation are important for fast, efficient results.

Contact the Water Patrol at 573-751-3333