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ACCIDENT REPORTING

Federal law requires the operator or owner of a recreational vessel to file a boating accident report with the state reporting authority when an accident results in any of the following.

A person dies.
A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid.
A person disappears under circumstances indicating death or injury.
Damage totals $2,000 or more (lower thresholds apply in some states and territories).
The vessel is destroyed.

Report Timelines

Within 48 hours if a person dies within 24 hours, is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, or disappears under circumstances indicating death or injury.
Within 10 days of the occurrence or death if earlier reporting is not required.

Information collected through accident reports is used to establish regulations and safety standards, identify vessel defects, educate recreational boaters, collect statistics, investigate accidents, and evaluate boating safety programs.

Accident Reporting Forms

Accident reporting forms are available through the Coast Guard’s Directive and Publications Division:
Coast Guard Forms Management

CG-3865 Recreational Boating Accident Report
CG-3865-SP Reporte del Accidente en Barcos de Recreación

Most states and territories accept these forms, though some jurisdictions require state-specific versions.

Submission and Regulatory References

A list of contacts for each state’s primary boating authority is available at:
NASBLA State Boating Contacts

Reports are generally submitted to the Boat Accident Report Database administrator.

For additional regulatory details, see 33 CFR §173.51, Casualty and Accident Reporting .

A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats