Reporting an Accident

Watercraft operators involved in an accident must report the accident to the nearest law enforcement officer by the quickest possible means if the accident has caused:

• Injury to or death of any person or…
• Disappearance of any person under circumstances that indicate the possibility of death or injury.

Accidents also must be reported in writing to the Commissioner of the MDIFW, using a watercraft accident report form. Report forms are available online.

• The operator must report the accident in writing within 24 hours if a person dies, disappears under circumstances that indicate the possibility of death or injury, loses consciousness, receives medical treatment, or is disabled for more than 24 hours.
• The operator must report the accident in writing within 72 hours if damage to the watercraft or other property exceeds $2,000.