Final answer:
A boating accident must be reported to the Alabama Marine Police Division if significant damage to the vessel occurs. Maintenance and cleaning procedures are important to protect waterways, like removing debris and thoroughly rinsing all equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When involved in a boating accident in Alabama, it's necessary to report the incident to the Alabama Marine Police Division if there is significant damage to the vessel. This report should be made if the damage meets or exceeds the state’s minimum reporting threshold. Although your question pertains to Alabama, it's also vital to protect waterways by following maintenance and cleaning procedures similar to those used to safeguard Maryland waters. For example, you should:
- Remove all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from your boat hull, propeller, anchor, and trailer.
- Drain and rinse all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers thoroughly.
- Rinse all fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and SCUBA gear with a hard spray from a garden hose to prevent the spread of invasive species.
If the damage to your vessel results in a situation like the fictional Lowania, which suffered a significant impact on the starboard side leading to the boat listing violently, such damage would certainly need to be reported.