WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor                          Ch. 16

CHAPTER 16
(Senate Bill 99)

AN ACT concerning

Natural Resources - Boating Accidents - Reports

FOR the purpose of increasing the minimum damage amount before a boating accident is
required to be reported to the Department of Natural Resources; and generally
relating to boating accidents.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Natural Resources
Section 8-724(b) and (c)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1990 Replacement Volume and 1993 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Natural Resources

8-724.

(b)     If an accident involves any vessel subject to this subtitle while on the waters of
the State and results in the death, disappearance, or injury of any person or in property
damage in excess of [$200] $500, or there is complete loss of the vessel, the operator or
owner, if the operator cannot submit a report, shall file with the Department a full
description of the accident, including any information the Department requires by
regulation. If the accident caused the death or disappearance of any person or a person
receives medical treatment beyond first aid, the report shall be made within 48 hours.
Any other accident resulting in personal injury or property damage shall be reported
within 10 days. This subsection does not apply to a vessel required to have a certificate of
inspection under Chapter 1, Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations.

(c)     If any vessel numbered in the State is involved in an accident on waters
outside of the State, and the accident results in the death, disappearance, or injury of any
person or in property damage exceeding [$200] $500, the operator or owner, within 30
days, shall file a complete report with the Department including any information the
Department requires by regulation. This subsection does not exempt or excuse any
operator or owner, if the operator cannot submit the report, from the requirements of any
federal or other State law or rule or regulation having jurisdiction over the waters in
which the accident occurs. Furthermore, any accident-reporting requirement in the
federal or other State law or rule or regulation may not exonerate or excuse any failure of
the operator or owner of a vessel numbered in the State to report the accident in the
State.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1994.

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