[sailingdog]

Just FYI, in addition to what they've said above, generally each state will have requirements similar to the below... which is for the state of Hawaii—

By law, all recreational boating accident reports have to be completed on form LNR 3-027 by the operator, and in case of operator incapacity, the owner of each and every pleasure craft involved in a marine casualty. For recreational vessels, the statute, HRS Section 200-29 and Hawaii Administrative Rules, Section 13-242-5 makes the Boating Accident Report and accompanying investigations confidential and not public record for use in litigation.

All commercial vessels must report casualties to the Coast Guard per Federal regulations applicable to the vessel on form CO-2652. Commercial vessel casualty reports are not confidential and may be released after they are completed and approved by competent authority.


A boating accident report has to be filed with the State if the vessel is used for recreational purposes in the following instances:

1. Loss of life or the disappearance of any person;
2. injury, causing any person to require medical treatment beyond first aid;
3. actual damage to any vessel or to any other property is in excess of $200.

A marine casualty may include: capsizing, flooding, grounding, falls overboard or onboard, other injuries incurred while aboard a vessel.


For loss of life or disappearance, the notification and report is to be submitted within (48) hours. For all other accidents, within (7) days.


Commercial vessel casualties must be reported to the Coast Guard as soon as possible after the occurrence on form CG-2652 and within (5) days of the occurrence. The casualties that must be reported are described in the Federal regulations applicable to the type of commercial operations.