What to Do If You’re in a Boating Accident

Boating accidents can happen unexpectedly, and being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and navigating the aftermath effectively. If you find yourself in a boating accident in New South Wales, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the appropriate steps to protect yourself, your passengers, and others involved. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you’re in a boating accident in NSW:

1. Ensure Safety First: The safety of everyone involved should be the top priority. If there are any injuries, immediately administer first aid if you’re trained to do so, or seek medical assistance promptly. If the accident is severe or if anyone is in the water, call emergency services (dial 000) for help.
2. Stabilize the Situation: Take steps to prevent further damage or injury. If possible, move your boat to a safe location away from the path of other vessels. Use flares, lights, or other distress signals to alert nearby boats of the accident and ensure they steer clear.
3. Assess Damage and Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident, including their boat registration details. Document the scene by taking photos of any damage to boats or property, as well as any visible injuries.
4. Notify Authorities: In NSW, you are required by law to report any boating accident that results in injury, death, disappearance, or property damage exceeding $3,000 to Maritime Safety NSW. You can report the accident by calling the NSW Water Police or visiting a local NSW Police Station. Additionally, make sure you complete a vessel incident report form.
5. Cooperate with Authorities: Upon arrival, authorities will conduct an investigation into the accident. Cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide them with accurate information about the incident. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
6. Seek Legal Advice: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may need legal assistance to navigate insurance claims, liability issues, or any legal proceedings that may arise. Consulting with a maritime lawyer who is experienced in boating accidents can help protect your rights and ensure a fair resolution.
7. Follow Up on Medical Care: Even if you don’t initially feel injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and documenting your medical condition is crucial for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
8. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Contact your insurance provider to report the accident and initiate the claims process. Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and any applicable deductibles or limitations.
9. Learn from the Experience: After the immediate aftermath has been addressed, take some time to reflect on the accident and consider what could have been done differently to prevent it. Take boating safety courses, familiarize yourself with maritime regulations, and implement any necessary changes to improve safety on future boating trips.
10. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any updates regarding the investigation or legal proceedings related to the accident. Stay in communication with your insurance provider and legal representation to ensure that your interests are represented throughout the process.

Being involved in a boating accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but knowing how to respond can help mitigate further damage and ensure a smoother resolution. By following these steps and seeking appropriate assistance, you can navigate the aftermath of a boating accident in NSW with greater confidence and clarity.

Bonus step: get your licence

Unlicensed operators are statistically far more likely to be involved in an accident than their licensed counterparts.

Our NSW boat and PWC licence courses are delivered by experienced and accredited trainers who provide in-depth education to not only pass the licence exam, but to also stay safe on the water.

To get your licence, you can book online or reach out to our friendly office team on (02) 9524 5678.