Who investigates boat crashes on the Treasure Coast?

FWC has primary responsibility for boating accident investigation in Florida waters and handles most incidents.

The Coast Guard may be involved in federal waters, in search and rescue, and in incidents involving certain vessels.

County marine units — sheriff's offices in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties operate on the water and may respond first.

Which agency responded matters because it determines where the report comes from and what it contains.

How to obtain the report. Through the investigating agency, with timing and availability similar to a traffic crash report. FWC reports can take longer where the investigation is ongoing.

What to do at the scene. Photograph both vessels and any damage. Get names, contact information, and vessel registration numbers for everyone involved and for witnesses on other boats. Note conditions — weather, visibility, water state, traffic.

Witness identification is the recurring problem. On the water people leave, and there's no license plate to trace.