BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Module 07 - Emergency Preparedness

Collisions with Other Boats

If your boat has been involved in a collision, perform the following:

STEP 1:: Ensure that all passengers (guests) are accounted for and that everyone is wearing a life jacket or PFD.
STEP 2:: Determine if there are other boats in the area that may offer assistance, and that you are not in danger of being hit by another boat.
STEP 3:: Inspect the hull and equipment for any damage– check for rising or accumulating water in the hull.
STEP 4:: If necessary, signal your need for assistance using a recognized distress signal

REPORTING A COLLISION

If you have been involved in a collision with another boat, you are required to:

Stop and identify yourself, your boat, your home port, and your destination to the other boat
Assist the crew of the other boat if it is safe to do so
File an accident report with the local authorities, if damage as a result of the accident exceeds $1,000, or if the seaworthiness of either boat has been compromised
Report the collision to the local law enforcement agency immediately, if serious injury or death has occurred

Failure to stop at the scene of a collision, and abide by any of the above reporting requirements is a criminal office. Any person who fails to stop their vessel at the scene of a collision will be subject to fines and/or imprisonment.