Legal Operation
What must the operator of a boat involved in an accident do?
Answer
Stop, give assistance to anyone in danger, and exchange information
By law an operator must stop, render assistance to any injured people and vessels as far as they safely can, and exchange name, address, and vessel identification. Leaving the scene is a serious offense.
Source: Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives — 46 U.S.C. 2303, Duties related to marine casualty assistance and information — https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section2303&num=0&edition=prelim
Not the answer
- Only help if the other boat is bigger
- Nothing, unless police are present
- Leave the scene quickly
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test