Laws and Safety Equipment

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COLLISONS, ACCIDENTS, AND CASUALTIES

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 ( Delaware) 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 $500.00 or a complete loss of the vessel; or

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

Immediate Notification of Death, Disappearance, or Physical Injury

When, as a result of an occurrence that involves a vessel or its equipment, a person dies or disappears from a vessel or sustains an injury requiring more than first aid, the operator shall, without delay, by the quickest means available, notify the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section, at 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523-3336, of:

• Date, time, and exact location of the occurrence;
• Name of each person who died, disappeared, or sustained an injury;
• Number and name of the vessel; and
• Names and addresses of the owner and operator.

Reporting Timeframes

• Immediately if a person dies within 24 hours of the occurrence;
• Immediately if a person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, or disappears from a vessel; and
• Within 5 days of the occurrence or death if an earlier report is not required.

When the operator of a vessel cannot give the notice required, at least one of the persons on board shall notify the Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section, Telephone: 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523 -3336, or determine that the notice has been given.

Where to Report

The report shall be submitted to the Boating Law Administrator, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware. The accident or casualty report completed by a Fish and Wildlife Agent may be substituted to meet the requirements of this section.

Rendering of Assistance in Accidents

The operator of a vessel involved in an accident shall render necessary assistance to each individual affected to save that affected individual from danger caused by the accident, so far as the operator can do so without serious danger to the operator's or individual's vessel or to individuals on board; and

Give the operator's name and address and identification of the vessel to the operator or individual in charge of any other vessel involved in the accident, to any individual injured, and to the owner of any property damaged.