Guide 2. How to handle a boat collision

Marine Insurance

We hope that all of your Australian marine adventures and outings are safe, fun, and relaxing. But in the unfortunate event of a collision, here are the proper steps that you need to take to safely resolve the situation.

Be as calm as possible
Don’t panic. Unfortunately, unless you remain calm, the situation can get much worse and even further out of control. Take deep breaths so you can gather your thoughts and act with a level head. Although you may be a bit shaken-up, have faith that there will be resolution.

Check for injuries
Take a headcount to make sure everyone is still onboard, and then check your passengers for injuries. Bring out the first-aid kit to care for any injuries that are not serious. After you check for personal injuries, assess the damage to your vessel and make sure it is still safe for passengers to remain onboard.

File a report
An official report is required when there is extensive damage to the vessel or property loss exceeding $2000, medical injuries beyond first-aid kit assistance, death, or disappearance of a body. In any of these situations you should immediately contact the policing authorities and/or emergency assistance. There is a legal 7-day time limit for making incident reports.

Capture the scene
If you have a digital camera handy, take a few photos of the scene of the accident and any damages that may have occurred. These records will be quite useful when filing your insurance claims and if you have to go to court.

Moral duty
You have a moral obligation to stop and assist others if you are involved in a collision. Boat operators who neglect this duty and refuse to help in situations that result in death or serious injury may face prosecution and imprisonment. If you personally are not involved in, but witness a boat accident, you should always help your fellow citizen and call for help. It is the humane thing to do, and you never know when you may be in same situation.

Reporting boating collisions is required by law in certain situations. The information that you provide can also prevent similar circumstances from occurring to others in the future. Your details can also assist in creating a safer environment for Australian water sports and wildlife.

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