Boat Accident Reporting

Accidents happen, but did you know that under certain circumstances these accidents must be reported to authorities? Knowing your local and state laws before getting out on the water ensures safe and legal boating. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boat accident reports must be submitted within 48 hours after injuries or death. For other ;cases, reports must be submitted within ten days.

When a Report must be Submitted

A recreational boat operator is required to submit the Recreational Boating Accident Report when ;any of the following occurs:

• Loss of life or disappearance from a vessel
• Injury requiring ;treatment beyond basic first aid
• Combined damage in excess of $500
• Complete loss of the vessel.

Safety Equipment

If an accident occurs, there are several things you should have on board to minimize injuries:

• Life jackets for every passenger
• Sound producing devices to alert others you are in distress
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Distress signals, such as flares
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• On any powered vessel or auxiliary powered sailboat, or vessels using LPG for cooking or heat, check that all interior spaces are well ventilated before departure.
• Handheld radio
• Carry at least two fenders in case towing is necessary.
• An emergency locator beacon
• All ships papers and certificates as well as route chart
• Make sure friends or family have a copy of your float plan

Synthetic Oil in Rockford

Brian Heitkamp ;is here to help our customers save money and the environment. ;Contact us ;at ;(419) 942-1724 ;for information on the best ;AMSOIL synthetic oil products in Rockford ;and help with all your engine needs. For added convenience, you may place an ;order online ;anytime.