What to do if you’re Involved in a Boat Accident

According to Michigan’s boat accident reporting requirements, the operator of a boat involved in a boating accident is required to:

• Stop their boat at the scene.
• Render assistance to any person who has been injured or who is in danger so long as they can do so without risking their safety or their passenger’s safety.
• Provide their name, address and boat information in writing to any person who was injured and to the owner of any property that was damaged as a result of the accident.

Accident Reports

Accidents must be reported by the quickest means possible, without delay to the nearest County Sheriff, Police Post, or Conservation Officer if:

• A person is killed.
• A person disappears from the boat.

A written accident report form must be filed with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) within 48 hours if:

• A person dies with 24 hours of the incident.
• A person loses consciousness, requires medical treatment, or is disabled for more than 24 hours as a result of the accident.

A written accident report form must be filed with the MDNR within 5 days if:

• Damage to property as a result of the accident totals more than $2,000.
• A person disappears from the boat, indicating death or injury.