A boat owner/operator must report their boat accident to California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) if the accident results in death, disappearance or injury to a person requiring medical attention beyond first aid, damage to a vessel or other property exceeding $500 or complete loss of a vessel, regardless of value. Boat accidents must be reported within specific time periods.
Reports must be submitted to DBW within 48 hours of an accident that involves:
- Death occurring within 24 hours of the accident
- Disappearance of a person
- Injury beyond first aid
Reports must be submitted to DBW within 10 days of an accident that involves:
- A person who dies more than 24 hours after an accident occurs
- Property damage exceeding $500, or there is a complete loss of a vessel
Failure to submit an accident report as required by law is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed six months or both.
Reports should be signed and mailed to:
California Division of Boating and Waterways
Attn: Boating Accident Unit
PO Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
