Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Vessel Accidents (ORC 1547.10 & ORC 1547.59)

Providing Assistance and Reporting a Boating Accident

Federal and state laws require that boaters provide assistance to any person in danger due to an accident or any other cause of distress if you can do so without serious danger to your boat or the people on board.

• Notify emergency personnel immediately.
• Protect people first; save property later.
• Assist people needing help to stay afloat.
• Give first aid to injured persons.

The law protects you from liability when providing assistance or medical treatment in good faith.

At the scene of a serious injury, missing person, boat fire, sinking, or any other situation involving immediate risk to a person:

• Dial 911, or call the local fire department or sheriff’s office.
• Contact authorities with a “mayday” call using channel 16 on a VHF marine radio. See “Summoning Help” in Chapter 5.
• Provide immediate assistance as needed to prevent further injury or drowning if you can do so safely.

For minor injury and property damage accidents:

• Contact law enforcement authorities.
• Provide first aid, and help injured persons reach medical treatment.
• Recover and secure damaged property if you can do so safely.

If involved in an accident you also must:

• Give your name, address, and boat identification to any injured person and the owner of any damaged boat.
• File a written report as required if your boat was involved.

Filing a Written Report

A written report is required if an accident results in:

• Loss of life or a missing person (report must be filed within 24 hours) or ...
• Injury needing medical treatment beyond first aid or property damage over $500 (report must be filed within 5 days).

Use the required form provided by ODNR, Division of Watercraft. To obtain a form, contact any ODNR, Division of Watercraft office or download the form. The form also is provided in the Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide.

Send the completed report to: ODNR Division of Watercraft, LE/SAR Section, 2045 Morse Road, Building A-2, Columbus, Ohio 43229

Boating Accident Report Form

For a copy of the Boating Accident Report Form:

• Contact a Division of Watercraft field office
• Download the form from our website
• Obtain a copy of the Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide

Violation Resulting in Injury or Damage is Evidence of Negligence
(ORC 1547.34)

Violations of watercraft law which result in injury to persons or damage to property shall constitute prima facie evidence of negligence in a civil action.