The DBW BAR 1 form is the official California Boating Accident Report. It is required by Section 656 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code. Any operator of a recreational vessel must file this report with the California Department of Boating and Waterways after an accident that causes death, disappearance, bodily injury requiring medical care beyond first aid, property damage over $500, or total loss of a vessel.
Filing deadlines depend on the severity of the accident. Deaths, disappearances, or serious injuries require a report within 48 hours. All other reportable incidents must be filed within 10 days. The California Department of Boating and Waterways forwards a copy of every report to the United States Coast Guard.
Each section of the DBW BAR 1 collects specific information about the accident. You will record weather and water conditions at the time of the incident. The form documents the type of collision, contributing factors such as operator inattention, excessive speed, alcohol use, and equipment failure, and details about each vessel involved. You must also include the operator's experience level and what safety equipment was in use.
Failure to file the DBW BAR 1 is a misdemeanor offense in California. Penalties include fines up to $1,000, possible jail time, or both. Filing on time also contributes to statewide boating safety research that helps prevent future accidents.
Many operators skip the CAUSE OF DEATH field when it applies or underestimate property damage and decide not to file. Check all dollar amounts carefully before deciding. If you are uncertain whether the damage threshold is met, file the report. Reporting errors in this section are a leading reason for rejected forms.
If you need to document other incidents, our incident accident report form and accident register form cover additional reporting scenarios. For vessel ownership transfers after an accident, see our boat bill of sale form.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Dbw Form Bar 1 |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Other names | BAR california boating accident report form |