There might be instances or situations in which you get into a boating accident. Whether it’s due to inclement weather, the operator’s lack of experience or focus in navigating the boat, a submerged object that destroyed the boat’s hull, or anything that can cause you to be in a perilous situation, this experience is indeed scary and anxiety-inducing which can cause you to panic. Since accidents in the water can be harder to address by authorities promptly, it’s important to be prepared and know what to do when you get into this situation (and we hope you won’t get into this type of situation, ever!) to ensure that everyone can stay safe on board while complying with legal and ethical responsibilities. This article will give you a straight-to-the-point guideline on what to do if you find yourself in a boating accident:

Ensure Everyone’s Safety

If you’re involved in an accident, the foremost step is to make sure that everyone is safe. Stop the boat by killing the Honda boat engine and conduct a quick head count to see if everyone is accounted for. Make sure everyone onboard is one piece and not injured. If there are injuries, assign someone to help the injured and conduct first aid to them. Or you can assist the injured while you assign someone else to call for help.

Stay Calm and Alert

Easier said than done but keeping calm and composed is important to prevent your passengers from having a full-blown panic attack. After all your passengers will look to you for leadership. Avoid shouting harshly to your passengers; instead, use your authoritative voice and command your passengers on what to do and soothe them by telling them not to panic. Make sure you come up with an action plan right away on how to deal with the situation. Make sure to stay alert to identify other potential dangers that resulted from this accident.

Assess the Damage

Check the boat for any damages. If the accident involves other vessels, make sure to check those for any damages as well. Document the extent of damage, taking photographs if possible. This information will be valuable for insurance claims and potential legal matters.

Check for Leaks or Fires

Inspect your boat for leaks, fuel spills, or signs of fire. If you detect any of these issues, take immediate action to mitigate the risks. If you haven’t shut off the boat's engine, do it right away then disconnect the battery and then use fire extinguishers if necessary.

Call the Authorities

Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to notify the appropriate authorities. If there are injuries, fatalities, or substantial damage, or if another vessel involved fails to stop, you must contact the Coast Guard or other marine law enforcement agency. When you make the mayday call, make sure to state the following clearly:

With everyone's immediate safety ensured it's time to reach out for help. Use your marine radio to make a mayday or pan-pan call, depending on the severity of your situation. Clearly state the following:

• Your full name
• Your boat's name
• The nature of your emergency
• Your location
• The number of people aboard

Repeat your call until you receive an acknowledgment.

Render Aid

If you're involved in an accident and your boat is the only one that can provide assistance to those in distress, you are legally obligated to render aid. This includes rescuing individuals in the water or calling for assistance if needed.

Document the Scene

Take clear photographs of the boats involved, the surrounding area, and any visible damage. Make notes about weather conditions, visibility, and any factors that might have contributed to the accident. These details are useful for legal and insurance claims purposes.

Exchange Information

If there are other boats involved in the accident, exchange information with their operators. Obtain their names, contact details, boat registration numbers, insurance information, and any relevant identification. Be prepared to provide your own information as well.

Consult Legal Counsel

If injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage are involved, consider seeking legal counsel. A maritime attorney can provide guidance on your rights, responsibilities, and potential legal actions that may arise from the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

Contact your boat insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident and initiate the claims process. Provide them with all the relevant details, including photographs of the damage and information about other parties involved.

After the immediate aftermath of the accident has been addressed, take time to reflect on what happened and what could have been done differently to prevent the accident. Use the experience as an opportunity to learn and improve your boating skills and safety practices and keep your Stacer boat in good condition.