Owners and operators of vessels are required to report marine accidents and incidents to the police and/or Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) under Section 20 of the Marine Act 1988 (Vic).

If you require urgent assistance dial triple zero (000) for the emergency services or call the Water Police on 1800 135 729.

Accidents and incidents can also be reported to the Water Police on 1800 135 729. 

An incident must be reported if:

• as a result of an accident involving a vessel on State waters any person is injured or dies
• any vessel or person is placed at risk of damage or injury
• any property is damaged or destroyed.

The person in charge of the vessel must immediately report full details of the accident to the nearest police station. If a commercial vessel is involved, the owner or master must report the incident immediately, in writing, to TSV.

Penalties apply for owners and operators of vessels who fail to report a marine accident or incident.

To report a marine accident and/or incident to TSV use the forms listed below.

• Report of Accident - Incident Form (PDF, 60.4 KB, 5 pp.) - use to report incidents involving commercial vessels.
• Marine Incident Record Serious Incident Form (PDF, 264.1 KB, 7 pp.) - use to record details of serious incidents involving recreational vessels.
• Marine Incident Record Additional Vessel Form (PDF, 198.1 KB, 4 pp.) - use in conjunction with the Marine Incident Record Serious Incident Form to record details of vessels involved. 
• Marine Incident Record Response Only Form (PDF, 186.5 KB, 2 pp.) - for respondents tasked by Water Police. Not for general public use.
  

Maritime incident statistics

TSV collects information about marine incidents across Victoria to identify and monitor safety risks. This new monthly report contains statistical data about recreational and commercial incidents and includes a snap shot of boat registrations and operator licences across the state.

• Maritime safety incident and demographic statistics – January 2012 (PDF, 853.17 KB, 15 pp.).