Maryland - Boating Accidents & Safe Speed
Boating Accidents in Maryland
In the case of an accident, it is the vessel operator’s duty to immediately stop their vessel and give assistance to anyone injured or in danger due to the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger the operator’s vessel or passengers.
The vessel’s operator must supply his/her name, address, and vessel information (including the name and address of the vessel’s owner, if not the operator) to anyone injured in the accident as well as to the owner of any property damaged in the accident.
It is the duty of the owner or operator of any vessel involved in a boating accident to file a full written report with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources within 48 hours if the accident results in:
- The death of a person
- Personal injury that requires medical treatment beyond first aid
All other boating accidents must be reported within 10 days of the accident. This includes running aground, or hitting a fixed or floating object.
Safe speed in Maryland
Many waterways have local speed restrictions. Vessels must always be operated at a safe speed for the conditions, i.e. a speed that allows time and distance to take necessary action to avoid a collision.
Operating at a speed that is excessive for the conditions and that endangers persons or property is unlawful.
Power vessels in “no wake” zones shall proceed at the minimum possible speed to maintain maneuverability.
