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Reporting a boat accident

How to report a boat accident

Boating Accident Report

The operator of a vessel is required to submit a written report to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Boating and Recreational Vehicle Safety Bureau whenever an accident results in:

  • The death of a person.
  • Disappearance of a person under circumstances which suggest any possibility of death or injury.
  • Any injury requiring medical attention.
  • Property damage exceeding $500.

Accidents resulting in death or serious injury must be reported within 48 hours. Other accident reports must be submitted within five days.

If a boat is lost, stolen, abandoned, or destroyed, the owner must notify the Massachusetts Environmental Police in writing within 15 days.

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