How soon after a boating accident must a report be filed? Who is responsible for filing the report?
If you are the person who was operating the boat, you are required to file the report, unless you are physically unable to do so. The owner of the boat is the next person responsible if you cannot prepare the report. You must file a written accident report within 48 hours if someone dies or disappears under suspicious circumstances from your boat. You must also file a written report within 48 hours if someone is injured and needs more than first aid treatment. Otherwise you have within 10 days of the accident to file a written boating accident report. You could be fined up to $1000 or imprisoned up to six months, or both if you fail to comply with the law.
