ASSISTANCE
Marine Accidents
The operator of a vessel involved in a marine casualty must:
- render necessary assistance to anyone affected by the accident.
- render the assistance to the individual’s level of training without endangering self, individuals onboard or the vessel.
- exchange name, address and identification of the vessel.
If acting in a reasonable and prudent manner, a person who acts in good faith to assist others cannot be held liable for any damages.
Duty to Provide Assistance at Sea
As the operator of a boat, you shall assist any other boat that may be in jeopardy of being lost at sea. The assistance can be in the form of providing fuel, towing the affected vessel, or calling marine rescue to help the vessel as long as it can be done without endangering self, individuals onboard or the vessel.
A violation of not helping a vessel in danger of being lost at sea can result in a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both.
Recreational boaters must operate according to established navigation rules such as those mentioned in this chapter. Yet, each year, U.S. Coast Guard boating accident statistics show that there are numerous violations of the rules by recreational boaters. The most common violations are caused by excessive speed, not maintaining a proper lookout, or not following other established navigation rules.
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