As the operator of a vessel, you are required by law to file a formal, written report of your boating accident with the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) under certain circumstances.
When a Report is Required
A formal, written report must be filed with DWR when there is:
- damage over $2000 by or to the vessel or its equipment;
- injury (requiring medical help beyond first aid) or loss of life; and/or
- disappearance of any person on board a vessel.
Failure to report boating accidents as specified above shall be punishable as a Class 4 Misdemeanor. When a person dies or disappears as a result of an occurrence that involves a vessel or its equipment, the operator is required by law to notify the Department of Wildlife Resources in Richmond, Virginia, or the most immediately available Department Conservation Police Officer without delay and by the quickest means possible.
Time Frame for Reporting
Reports must be filed within the following time frames from the boating accident:
- 48 hours if there is loss of life within 24 hours of the accident;
- 48 hours if a person involved is injured and cannot perform usual activities;
- 48 hours if a person disappears;
- 10 days if an earlier report is not required but becomes necessary; and/or
- 10 days if the boat or property damage is in excess of $2000 or total boat loss.
How to Report an Accident
Boating Accident Report Forms can be obtained from this website, local law enforcement authorities, Department Conservation Police Officers, and all Department offices. You may submit the completed forms in person or send them to:
Law Enforcement Division — Boating AccidentVirginia Department of Wildlife Resources
P.O. Box 90778
Henrico, VA 23228
The boat operator or owner usually completes the form unless she/he is physically unable to do so.
Call the Law Enforcement Division at the Department of Wildlife Resources if you have difficulty completing an accident report form (Central Office in Richmond, 804-367-1000).
To report an accident that has just occurred, please contact the DWR Dispatch Section at (804) 367-1000. A Conservation Police Officer will be dispatched to the scene to investigate the accident.
Why Report an Accident
Reporting boating accidents is required by law in the specific situations mentioned (see “When a Report is Required“). The information you submit is used to determine safer boating practices which are then shared with the boating public, boat manufacturers and equipment manufacturers. The details you provide may prevent another boater from having a similar accident. Thank you for your cooperation with the law and in helping others.
Duty to Stop and Render Assistance
It is the duty of every operator involved in a collision to stop and offer assistance. Operators involved in a collision who knowingly fail to comply with this law when the collision or accident results in serious bodily injury to, or the death of, any person, shall be guilty of a Class 6 Felony. When the collision or accident results in only property damage, the operator who does not comply with this law shall be guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Damage of less than $50 to an unattended vessel is punishable by a maximum $50 fine.