You Are Responsible As the operator of a vessel you are required by law to file a formal, written report of an accident. There are four conditions that require you to fill out and send in a boating accident report. A life is lost due to the accident.
Someone is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid.
There is damage by or to the vessel and other property. You just ran your beautiful boat into a submerged rock and put a hole in your hull. Your boat took on water and flooded overnight. 48 hours if a person is injured and medical treatment beyond first aid is required. The form is usually filled out by the operator of the boat unless the operator is physically unable to complete the form.