If you are operating a boat that is involved in a collision or other casualty, you have legal obligations to

1. stop your boat
   
2. render any possible assistance without endangering your own passengers or crew if the accident results in
• the death or injury of any person
• damage to another vessel that affects its seaworthiness or the safety of those on board.
  
3. give your name and address and if requested, the name of the owner of the boat to
• the operator of any other boat involved
• any injured person
• the owner of any damaged property.
  
4. report the matter to a police officer if the accident results in death or injury to any person or damage to any vessel or property apparently exceeding $300. You must report to a police station near the place of the accident as soon as possible and within 48 hours. The report must state the
• time and place of the accident
• circumstances
• name and addresses of any person killed or injured
• names and addresses of any witnesses
• nature of property damage.

A special form for reporting boating accidents is available from most police stations or you can download a Vessel Accident Report from our forms page.

If you are not directly involved in an accident but see one occur nearby, you have a legal obligation to assist where possible, provided that in doing so you do not seriously endanger your own passengers.