Boating under the influence is a term used to describe the “act of operating a boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” It is similar to driving under the influence of motor vehicles. If you have been involved in a boating accident and you suspect that the owner is BUI, you may wonder whether or not you can conduct a USCG vessel documentation search.
USCG Vessel Documentation Search Results
Before you can conduct the search, you need to know the following information about the boat that hit you:
- Vessel: The official name of the boat you want to search for. This is the primary identifier for conducting the search.
- Official Number: The vessel’s unique identifier is assigned by the USCG. While the vessel name is commonly used for searches, having the official number, if available, can help ensure accuracy in the search results.
- Hailing Port: The port city and state are listed as the vessel’s home port. This information can be used to narrow down search results if multiple vessels share the same name.
Although all of these details can be beneficial for conducting a precise search, the vessel name is often the primary piece of information used for initial searches. If you have the official number or other details, it can be helpful for further refining your search. It also ensures that you locate the correct vessel in the database.
If you have been involved in a boating accident and the other vessel has left the scene, you should take the following steps:
- Ensure Safety: First, ensure the safety of everyone on board your vessel. Attend to any injured individuals and address immediate safety concerns.
- Report the Accident: Contact the local authorities or the Coast Guard to report the accident. Provide as much information as possible, including the location of the accident, a description of the other vessel, and any identifying details, like the registration numbers or description of individuals on board.
- Document the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, any damage to your vessel, and any debris in the water. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and investigations.
- Witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. Their statements may be helpful for investigators.
- Remain at the Scene: If possible, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have reported to the authorities and received guidance from law enforcement.
It is crucial to follow legal safety procedures when involved in a boating accident. Leaving the scene of an accident without a report can result in serious legal consequences. Make sure that you have obtained the necessary details of the boat that hit you so that you can conduct a thorough documentation search.
Accuracy of the Results
The accuracy of the search results may also depend on the completeness and accuracy of the information you provide. If you are not sure about specific details, the USCG can assist you. Meanwhile, you may start your USCG vessel documentation search using our website.