Whether you own a boat or spend a lot of time on a friend’s vessel, safety is of paramount importance. Yet even when you follow all protocols, accidents can happen. This year alone, almost 4000 boating accidents took place in the US. If an incident occurs when you are onboard, that affects you or a fellow passenger, it’s crucial to know what to do.
Thankfully, there are various tips and tricks you can follow in the case of a boat accident. From calling for help to assisting others to secure the scene and documenting the incident, you must consider several factors. This will ensure the accident is dealt with quickly and efficiently.
In this guide, we give insight into what you should do immediately after a boat accident. Read on to find out more.
1. Prioritize Safety
If an accident has occurred, the first thing you should do is check whether everyone onboard is accounted for. In addition, whether anyone has suffered injuries. This includes assessing yourself. If passengers have been hurt, it’s important to administer first aid. If your first aid kit won’t cut it, call for help. You can call emergency services using your mobile or via a marine radio.
If the vessel is in a critical situation, evacuate everyone on board immediately. Always follow safety protocols when doing this and provide life jackets to each passenger onboard. If you have been injured in a boat accident and need an attorney, the first question they’ll ask you is whether you followed the correct safety procedures.
2. Report the Accident Immediately
You should notify the relevant authorities of an accident immediately. This could be the local police station, the Coast Guard or boating authorities.
In addition, and when it is safe to do so, you will need to reach out to your insurance company. Before ringing them, have all the necessary details to hand. They will need to know the date of the accident, the time it took place, who was involved, what caused the incident, and whether you have any injuries. In addition, you’ll need to keep a record of receipts of any costs you had to pay on the day so that you can be reimbursed.
These could include calling the Coast Guard out, someone to tow your vessel, ambulance and hospital fees (especially if abroad), and mechanical expenses if the boat necessitates repairs.
3. Document The Accident
Documenting the incident will ensure you have evidence to hand should your attorney or a court of law require this. From taking photos of your injuries to capturing pictures of the damaged vessel, there are plenty of things you can do to gather evidence. In addition, you should take images of the accident scene and exchange details with others onboard.
Collecting witness statements will help you to solve any insurance claims going forward. If you’re unsure of what documents and information you will need, call your insurance company or check the details they have displayed on their website for guidance.
4. Help Others
If you notice others have been injured, yet you have remained scratch-free, you must provide comfort or assistance to those who need it, at least until the professional medics arrive. If friends, family members, or fellow passengers are in shock, keeping them calm is important.
If they’re beginning to get anxious or on the verge of a panic attack, encourage them to breathe in through their nose, hold their breath for a count of five, and then slowly breathe out through their mouth. This breathing technique will help them to focus on something else other than the accident and what’s going on around them.
In addition to helping others onboard, you should double-check that everyone initially accounted for is still onboard and that no one has fallen overboard.
5. Secure The Scene
If you can, move the boat and injured passengers to a secure location. This will help to prevent further accidents or damage from occurring. If moving the vessel is out of the question, mark the accident site. It may be that you could cause more damage by trying to move objects and people, or worse still, further injury.
It is crucial, however, that you highlight the wreckage to others. You can do this using a marker or a buoy. If you have informed the relevant authorities, they will likely send someone out to mark the scene on your behalf.
The Bottom Line
In the unfortunate event of a boat accident, you must follow protocol. Following the above steps will ensure your safety and that of fellow passengers and passersby involved in the incident. In addition, following the correct steps will safeguard your legal rights.
Points to remember include staying calm. Panicking will not help you or those around you solve the situation. In addition, all relevant safety guidelines and boating regulations must be followed, which will ensure no further accidents occur. Finally, communicate and cooperate with authorities. You will need to provide accurate, relevant information. This will help them with their investigation. It will also speed up your insurance claim.
