BOATING ACCIDENT REPORTS

The operator of every vessel involved in a boating accident shall file a report in writing whenever the accident results in loss of life, loss of consciousness, medical treatment or disability in excess of 24 hours, or property damage in excess of five hundred ($500.00) dollars.

• Reports in death and injury cases shall be submitted within forty-eight (48) hours; reports in other cases are required within five (5) days.
• In the case of a reportable accident, the operator or owner of any vessel involved shall file a full description of the accident with the department, including any information the department may require. If the operator or owner is incapable of making the report, the investigating officer shall submit the report.
• You must give your name, address and Certificate of Number in writing to any injured person and to the owner of any damaged property if you are involved in a boating accident.

Mail a written Boating Accident Report form to:

SCDNR Division of Law Enforcement
Investigation and Education
P. O. Box 12559
Charleston, SC, 29422-255

Accident reports are not admissible as evidence in criminal court.

Duties of vessel operator involved in collision; offense and penalties; immunity of person rendering assistance; accident reports; suspension of privilege

• It is the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, if he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew, passengers, and guests, to render assistance as may be practical or necessary to persons affected by the collision, accident, or other casualty including personal injury or property damage and also to give his name, address, and identification of his vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the collision, accident, or other casualty.
• Any person who gratuitously and in good faith renders assistance at the scene of a vessel collision, accident, or other casualty shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of the rendering of assistance or for any act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance.

Those having to file accident reports may obtain forms from Division of Boating, SCDNR.