LARSON Bass - Registration; Insurance; Reporting Accidents

BOATING REGULATIONS AND YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION
3
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. 3 - 2 l Bass
REGISTRATION
The USCG requires that all power boats operated on the navigable waters of the
United States be currently registered in the state in which they are principally used.
Many states require current registration in that state whenever boating on waters
within their state boundary. Always contact state boating authorities (and
authorities in neighboring states) for registration information on boats and trailers.
Registration numbers must be current and clearly displayed on the boat according
to the defined regulations. Registration certificates must be current and on board at
all times.
State and local authorities may require additional registration for boating on certain
waterways. Check with state and local authorities for additional registration
information.
For more information visit:
• U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety:
http://www.uscgboating.org
• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators:
http://www.nasbla.org
INSURANCE
Boat owners are legally responsible for any damage or injury caused when they
operate the boat when an accident or collision occurs. They are also legally
responsible even when someone else operates the boat and causes damage or
injury. Individual states have laws detailing minimum insurance needs. Contact the
insurance agent to verify the type of insurance needed BEFORE operating the new
boat.
REPORTING ACCIDENTS
The USCG requires the owner/operator of a boat involved in an accident to report
the incident to the proper marine law enforcement agency for the state in which the
accident occurred. If a person dies or disappears as a result of a recreational
boating accident, the boat owner/operator must immediately notify the nearest
state boating authority. If a person dies or has injuries requiring more than first aid,
the owner/operator must file a formal report within 48 hours of the accident. An
owner/operator has 10 days to file a formal report for accidents exceeding $500 in
property damage or complete loss of the boat. Go to http://uscgboating.org/
recreational-boaters/, Accident Reporting, for information and form download.