Offshore Boating Accident How Should It Be Handled

Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, Feb 09, 2005

All commercial vessels must report casualties (capsizing, grounding, falls overboard or on board, or other injuries incurred while aboard a vessel) to the Coast Guard per federal regulations applicable to the vessel. Commercial vessel casualties must be reported to the Coast Guard as soon as possible after the occurrence. The casualties that must be reported are described in the federal regulations applicable to the type of commercial operation. Commercial vessels must contact the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office at (808) 541-2070. For neighbor islands, contact a police officer or the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation District Office or U.S. Coast Guard Unit.
 what is required in that area?

Measures that prevent spills of oil, plastics, garbage or dunnage are required. Littering or polluting water in any way is detrimental to public health and welfare, as well as to the environment, and is strictly prohibited. Dumping of any flammable material into the waters of a small boat harbor or designated offshore mooring area is prohibited. Also, any vessel equipped with an inboard motor and moored in a small boat harbor or designated offshore mooring area shall maintain an oil-absorbent pad in the bilge to separate petroleum products from bilge water. This requirement is included as an inspection item to obtain an initial or annual regular mooring permit. If your vessel or someone else's discharges oil or other hazardous substances into the water you must immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard toll-free 1-800-424-8802 or locally (808) 541-2068.

Geographically what do I need to know?

Maps illustrating the State's most important boundaries for zoned commercial and non-commercial ocean recreation activity are available at DOBOR offices. You may be surprised to learn the number of zones found in the nearshore waters of the State. These zones are an important consideration when planning ocean recreation activities in Hawaii's coastal waters. To keep the maps readable, we have included only the most important commercial zones. We have not included swim-only zones, surf zones and offshore mooring zones. These maps represent our best interpretation of the diagrams in the regulations. For the exact locations, refer to the "Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13."