Laws and Safety Equipment

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BOATING ACCIDENT REPORTS

Accident Reports

The operator of any vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty which results in death or personal injury that requires medical treatment beyond first aid, or damage to property in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) must file a full description of the incident with the Division of Natural Resources on West Virginia Boating Accident Report Form MB-3.

• An accident report in a case involving a loss of life must be submitted to the Division within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident.
• An accident report in a case involving a reportable injury or property damage as described above must be submitted to the Division within five (5) days of the incident.

An accident report must be submitted in person or by mail to the Division of Natural Resources, Motorboat Safety Section, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0668.

West Virginia Boating Accident Report Form MB-3

Duty To Render Aid After A Collision

The operator of any vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty has a duty to render aid to others that were involved or affected by the collision or accident if they can do so without serious damage to his or her own vessel, crew or passengers. The aid rendered should be that which may be practicable and necessary in order to save them from or minimize any danger caused by the incident.

The operator of any vessel involved must provide his or her name, address, and vessel registration to any person who was injured during the incident and to the owner of any property damaged by the incident.