Collisions, accidents and other casualties.
1. The operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident or other casualty shall, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew and passengers, render to other persons affected by the casualty such assistance as may be practicable and as may be necessary to save them from or minimize any danger caused by the casualty, and shall give his name, address and the identification of his vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the casualty.
2. In the case of collision, accident or other casualty involving a vessel, the operator thereof, if the casualty results in death or injury to a person or damage to property in excess of $500, shall file with the Department a full description of the casualty, including, without limitation, such information as the Commission may, by regulation, require.
3. Upon receipt of a claim under a policy of insurance with respect to a collision, accident or other casualty for which a report is required by subsection 2, the insurer shall provide written notice to the insured of his responsibility pursuant to subsection 2 to file with the Department a full description of the casualty.
4. Upon receipt of a request for repair with respect to a collision, accident or other casualty for which a report is required by subsection 2, the person who repairs the vessel shall provide written notice to the person requesting the repairs of the requirement set forth in subsection 2 that the operator file with the Department a full description of the casualty.
5. The insurer and the person who repairs a vessel shall transmit a copy of each notice they provide pursuant to subsections 3 and 4, respectively, to the Department at the same time the notice is provided to the insured or person requesting the repairs.
6. The Department shall investigate or cause to be investigated a collision, accident or other casualty involving a vessel which results in death or substantial bodily injury and shall gather evidence to be used in the prosecution of a person charged with violating a law in connection with the collision, accident or other casualty. The Department may investigate or cause to be investigated a collision, accident or other casualty involving a vessel which does not result in death or substantial bodily injury and may gather evidence to be used in the prosecution of a person charged with violating a law in connection with the collision, accident or other casualty.
Last modified: February 25, 2006