RBS Ready: Accident reporting standards and forms for Washington and Oregon

Shipmates,
As we do vessel exams and teach our classes one point that often comes up is the reporting requirement and dollar value threshold for reporting accidents. Luckily the policy is substantively similar in both Oregon and Washington:

Washington (via the Washington State Parks and Recreation reporting form)

Washington State law requires the operator of a recreational vessel involved in an accident to file aWashington Boat Accident Report when:

> Loss of life occurs

> Injury occurs which requires medical treatment beyond first aid

> A person disappears from a vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury

> Property damage is in excess of $2,000, or there is complete loss of a vessel

If there is an injury, disappearance or death, a report must be submitted within 48 hours. Reports in other accidents must be submitted within 10 days. If the operator cannot submit the report, the owner of the vessel is responsible.

Oregon (via the OSMB reporting form)

The operator of every vessel involved in an accident resulting in injury or death of any person, or property damage in excess of $2000 is required by law to file a written report. Reports must be submitted within 48 hours in case of death or injury, 10 days in accidents involving only property damage.

As RBS educators and advocates I recommend printing a copy of each form for your reference kit to show boaters as an example.

Thank you for your service,
Daren