Boating Accident Report (BAR) in North Carolina
If I’m involved in a boat accident, what should I do?
In the case of an accident, it is the vessel operator’s duty to render assistance to other persons and property to save them from danger caused by the accident so long as this action does not seriously endanger their vessel or any person aboard.
The vessel’s operator must supply his/her name, address, and vessel information to the owner/operator of any property or vessel involved in the accident as well as anyone injured in the accident.
The vessel’s operator must immediately notify the Wildlife Resources Commission of the accident by the quickest means available if the accident results in the death or the disappearance of a person from the boat.
Under what circumstances do I need to file a boating accident report and is there a time frame in which I have to file the report?
It is the duty of the operator of any vessel involved in a boating accident to file a full written boating accident report with the Wildlife Resources Commission within 48 hours if the accident results in:
- The death or disappearance of a person, or
- Personal injury requiring treatment beyond first aid
A written boating accident report must be submitted within ten days if the accident results in physical damage to property in excess of $2,000.
