Laws and Safety Equipment

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BOATING ACCIDENT REPORTS

Any accident involving death, disappearance or personal injury, or damage greater than $2000 must be reported.

1. Report accidents to the nearest office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission when:
1. A person dies;
2. A person is injured and receives medical treatment beyond first aid; damage to the vessel and other property damage totals more than $2000; or
3. A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.
2. A report required by this section must be made -
1. Within 48 hours of the occurrence if a person dies within 24 hours of the occurrence;
2. Within 48 hours of the occurrence if a person is injured and receives medical treatment beyond first aid; and
3. Within 10 days of the occurrence if an earlier report is not required by this paragraph. May 2, 2005submit the casualty or accident report required by paragraph (1) of this section, the owner shall submit the casualty or accident report.

Each report required by paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) above must be in writing, dated upon completion, and signed by the person who prepared it.

When, as a result of an occurrence that involves a vessel or its equipment, a person dies or disappears from a vessel, the operator shall, without delay, by the quickest means available, notify the Boating Division of this state.

When the operator of a vessel cannot give the notice required by paragraph (1) of this section, each person on board the vessel shall notify the Boating Division of this state or determine that the notice has been given. To obtain a Florida Boating Accident Report form, contact: (850) 488-5600