Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boating Accidents
What is a reportable boating accident?

A boating accident occurs when a vessel or its equipment is damaged or involved in the injury, death, or unexplained disappearance of any person on board. A boating accident includes, but is not limited to:
  • capsizing,
  • collision,
  • foundering,
  • flooding,
  • fire,
  • explosion and
  • the disappearance of a vessel other than by theft.
Who is responsible to report a boating accident if someone dies or disappears?

The operator of the vessel must immediately notify DEEP Emergency Dispatch at 860-424-3333 if a person dies or disappears.

Additionally, within 48 hours after the accident, the vessel operator must submit a DEEP Boating Accident Reporting Form.

  • What information should the vessel operator be prepared to provide?
    • The date, time and exact location of the accident.
    • The name of each person who died or disappeared.
    • The registration number and name (if applicable) of the vessel.
    • The names and addresses of the owner and operator. 
  • Who is responsible to make the report if the operator of the vessel cannot?
    Each person on board the vessel must:
    • immediately notify DEEP Emergency Dispatch at 860-424-3333 if a person dies or disappears and
    • within 48 hours after the accident, submit a DEEP Boating Accident Reporting Form. 
Who is responsible to report a boating accident if someone is injured so as to require medical attention?

The operator of the vessel must immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency (i.e. United States Coast Guard, police department) having jurisdiction.

Additionally, within 48 hours after the accident, the vessel operator must submit a DEEP Boating Accident Reporting Form.
  • What information should the vessel operator be prepared to provide?
    • The date, time and exact location of the accident.
    • The name of each person who is injured.
    • The registration number and name (if applicable) of the vessel.
    • The names and addresses of the owner and operator.

  • Who is responsible to make the report if the operator of the vessel cannot?
    Each person on board the vessel must:
    • immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency (i.e. United States Coast Guard, police department)  and
What if I only have property damage to my vessel or caused property damage to another vessel and/or other property?
Any accident in which the total damages to all property affected is in excess of $500 must be reported by the vessel operator within 5 days after the accident on a DEEP Boating Accident Reporting Form.

Content last updated December 2019