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

• Stop their boat at the scene of the accident.
• Assist any person in distress, or who has been injured, so long as they are able to do so without risking the safety of their passenger, of themselves or their boat.
• Provide their name, address and boat information, to any person who was injured, and to the owner of any property that was damaged as a result of the accident.

Reporting Accidents

Boat operators who are involved in a boating accident (and the owner of any boat involved) are required to submit a written accident report if any of the following occur:

• A person is killed, or disappears from the boat indicating injury or death.
• A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid.
• Damage to property totals more than $2,000, or there is complete loss of the boat.

Where to Find Washington’s Boat Accident Report Form

Boaters can obtain a boat accident report form from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the local law enforcement marine unit for the area where the accident occurred.

Submitting Boat Accident Report Forms

Boat accident report forms must be submitted to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction in the area where the accident occurred.

The accident report form must be submitted within 48 hours if:

• A person is killed.
• A person is injured and required medical treatment beyond first aid.
• A person disappears from the boat.

For all other reportable accidents, an accident report form must be submitted within 10 days of the occurrence.

Note: In Washington, any person who renders assistance at the scene of a boat collision, accident or other casualty, without objection of the person assisted, shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of rendering of assistance.