Resources to Keep Boaters Safe this Summer
Most accidents can be prevented by boaters learning safe techniques and simply using common sense. In 2018, 4,145 recreational boating accidents were counted by the U.S. Coast Guard. Of those accidents, there were 633 reported deaths and 2,511 injuries. The total amount of property damage was approximately $46,000,000. Like how traffic collision reports are made for automobile accidents, boating accident reports are made for vessels on the water.
How Do I Report a Boating Accident in California?
Complete, sign, and mail (or fax) a boating accident report. The California Boating Accident Report can be found on the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways website.
When Should I Report a Boating Accident?
If the accident involves any of the following, a report must be submitted to the Division of Boating and Waterways within 48 hours:
- A death that occurs within 24 hours from the time of the accident.
- The disappearance of a person under circumstances that indicate death or injury.
- Serious injury that requires medical attention (beyond first aid).
If the accident involves any of the following, a report must be submitted to the Division of Boating and Waterways within 10 days:
- A death that occurs more than 24 hours from the time of the accident.
- There is a total loss of any vessel (regardless of value), or the property damage exceeds $500.
Why Do I Need to Report a Boating Accident?
The DBW analyzes accident reports to make recommendations aimed at reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the waterways of California. The contents of the reports are kept confidential. The Division of Boating and Waterways releases an annual study of California boating accidents, which is available upon request.
What if I Don’t Report a Boating Accident?
Submission of an accident report is required by law, and failure to do so may result in a misdemeanor. Failure to submit an accident report is punishable by fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months or both.
California Course for Safe Boating
With the start of summer being just one month away, more boats will begin to make their way onto Sacramento’s waterways. Boaters must keep up to date with new laws and regulations, educate themselves and others that may be on or around the vessel, and, most importantly, stay safe.
The California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, educational institutions, and aquatic centers to provide the best boating safety education and outreach to both youth and adults. A digital copy of the California Boating Home Study Course is available for free on DBW’s website.
To request an exam packet via mail delivery, email DBW at [email protected]. Once completed, students return the exam to DBW for scoring. Students who receive at least 80% on the exam will be issued a certificate of completion.
Getting a California Boater Card
Just like a driver’s license is required to operate a vehicle, California’s new boating education law requires all California boaters to possess a California Boater Card while operating a recreational vessel.
To apply for a California Boater Card, applicants must have obtained a Boating Safety Education Certificate and will be able to provide proof either by uploading their certificate online or mailing a copy to the Division of Boating and Waterways. There is a $10.00 fee for the boater card.
Once the application, proof of education, and payment are approved by DBW, applicants may print a 90-day temporary boater card. Applicants will receive their permanent card by mail within 60 days.
Watch YouTube Video: Boating Safety with the U.S. Coast Guard. In the video below, members of the U.S. Coast Guard discuss boating safety tips to help keep you safe on the water.
Sacramento Boat Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Boat Accident Lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, call me for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
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