Laws and Safety Equipment

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BOATING ACCIDENTS

The operator of a vessel involved in a recreational boating accident must submit a casualty or accident report to the reporting authority in the State where the accident occurred when:

• A person dies;
• A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid;
• Damage to the vessel and other property totals more than $2000.00 (or as little as $200.00 in some states) or a complete loss of the vessel; or

A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.

Accidents involving greater than $2000.00 damage, injury requiring medical treatment greater than first-aid or loss of life must be reported to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

When a person dies or disappears as a result of an occurrence that involves a vessel or its equipment, the operator is required by law to notify the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in Richmond, Virginia, or the most immediately available Department Game Warden without delay and by the quickest means possible.

Time Frame for Reporting

Reports must be filed within the following time frames from the boating accident:

• 48 hours if there is loss of life within 24 hours of the accident;
• 48 hours if a person involved is injured and cannot perform usual activities;
• 48 hours if a person disappears;
• 10 days if an earlier report is not required but becomes necessary; and/or
• 10 days if the boat or property damage is in excess of $2000 or total boat loss.

How to Report an Accident

Boating Accident Report forms can be obtained from local law enforcement authorities, Department Game Wardens, all Department offices and from this website You may submit the completed forms in person or send them to:

Boating Accidents
Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
P.O. Box 11104
Richmond, Virginia 23230

The boat operator or owner usually completes the form unless she/he is physically unable to do so.

Call the Law Enforcement Division at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries if you have difficulty completing an accident report form (Central Office in Richmond, 804.367.1000).

To inform Law Enforcement about an accident that has just occurred, please call your county or city law enforcement group, sheriff's office, Game Warden, or Department dispatcher (804-367-1258).

Why Report an Accident?