A. The operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident or other casualty, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew and passengers, shall:

(1) render to other persons affected by the collision, accident or other casualty such assistance as practicable and necessary in order to save them from, or minimize, any danger caused by the collision, accident or other casualty; and

(2) give his name, address and identification of his vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the collision, accident or other casualty.

B. In case of collision, accident or other casualty involving a vessel, and resulting in death or injury to a person or damage to property in excess of one hundred dollars ($100), the operator of the vessel or his legal representative shall, within forty-eight hours, file with the division a full description of the collision, accident or other casualty, including all information that the division may require by regulation.

C. All collision, accident or other casualty reports filed as required by this section shall be without prejudice to the individual making the report, and are solely for the confidential use of the division except that the division may disclose the identity of a person involved in an accident when the identity is not otherwise known or when the person denies his presence at the accident. The report is inadmissible as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident, except that the division may furnish, upon request, a certificate showing that a specified accident report has or has not been made as required by this section.

History: 1953 Comp., § 75-35-11, enacted by Laws 1959, ch. 338, § 11; 1963, ch. 45, § 4; 1977, ch. 254, § 102.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — Criminal liability for injury or death caused by operation of pleasure boat, 8 A.L.R.4th 886.

Liability in admiralty for collision between vessel and drawbridge structure, 134 A.L.R. Fed. 537.