Wilmington Boating Accident Lawyer

What are the Various Types of Boating Accidents?

Many types of accidents can occur when you are boating. These include the following:

• Boating Collisions: These occur when two or more boats hit each other.
• Collisions with Fixed Objects: Boats may collide with bridge structures, channel markers, buoys, floating objects, and sandbars. These collisions can result in boat passengers being thrown from the boat and severely injured.
• Cruise Ship Accidents: There are a variety of accidents that can happen on a cruise ship. If you are injured on a cruise ship, the cruise company may owe you compensation.
• Jet Ski Accidents: Jet skiing is a lot of fun but it’s also dangerous. If you were injured on a jet ski because someone was negligent in ensuring your safety, you may be able to sue for damages.
• Shrimp and Fishing Boat Accidents: Boat owners of shrimping and fishing boats are required to provide a safe work environment for their crewmen. Failure to do so can result in an accident and the owner will be liable.
• Marina and Dock Accidents: Not all boat accidents happen on the water. Workers and pedestrians may be injured on marina docks as well.
• Towing Accidents: If one boat is towing another boat or vehicle, it must be properly attached. If it is not, the boat being towed could detach causing a hazardous situation in the water.
• Propeller Accidents: Boat propellers have sharp blades that can cause lacerations, internal injuries, and dismemberment. They can injure people on the boat or in the water. Captains must always make sure the area around the propeller is clear before putting the boat in gear.
• Overboard Accidents: Passengers who fall overboard can get run over by the boat. They may also drown.
• Drowning Accidents: Drowning accidents can occur if a passenger is thrown from the boat due to a collision, rough sea conditions, or poor boat handling.
• Slip and Falls: If a boat is being recklessly operated it could result in a passenger falling. In certain cases, the operator of the boat may be liable for your injuries.

What are North Carolina Boating Laws?

There are several North Carolina several boating laws that are meant to keep drivers and passengers safe. These are as follows:

• You must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft. If you are a minor, you must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old who is licensed to operate a personal watercraft.
• The person operating the watercraft must hold an identification showing proof of age as well as a certification showing they have passed a boating safety course approved by the NASBLA and accepted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission or…
• He or she must hold identification with proof of age as well as proof of completion of another boating safety education course in compliance with state laws.
• Anyone 16 or older may operate a PWC with a motor of 10 hp or greater if he or she complies with vessel operating requirements.
• Passengers under the age of 13 are required to wear a life vest when on a recreational vessel.

Additionally, here are some examples of illegal boating behavior:

• Leaving a vessel where it will block access for others
• Mooring or anchoring boats in unsafe locations
• Using areas designated for launching, recovering, and parking of vessels for any other purpose
• Operating a vessel at speeds greater than the ‘no wake’ speed
• Possessing firearms in the access area
• Operating the vessel in a manner that is considered to endanger life or property
• Polluting boating grounds and waters
• Failing to obey the rules of the boating area
• Carrying more passengers on a boat than the US Coast Guard maximum capacity limit
• Failing to possess basic safety equipment such as life vests, anchor, fire extinguisher and flares