Rendering Aid Question

So, I was telling a friend of mine who is a charter captain down in Charleston about our boating wreck on Lake Norman. We got to the end of the story when he asked; "how many people saw it and how many boats came to help?" My response was that at least 8-10 boats saw the wreck, but only one guy in a canoe came over to help. He was in utter disbelief, and trust me at the time of the wreck I was too. There were no less than 4-5 boats with cell phones taking pictures and video, but no one came to render aid.
To his point and my question. He claims that there is a federal law that if you witness, or are in the area of a boating accident, you are required by law to render aid. Now that seems like a reasonable law, but I can't find any information on that on the USCG page. Not trying to get the boaters and fishermen in the area fined or in trouble, just wondering if anyone out there knows or can cite this law?

Federal Law (46 USCS sec 2304 )
Requires the master of any vessel subject to US jurisdiction to " render assistance to any individual found at sea in danger of being lost"
Failure to render assistance under federal law will subject the captain to a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than two years.

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I would never even think about not stopping and offering what ever we could do. Towed lot of boats in, rescued a water gnat or two also.
Didn't know it was the law, just the right thing to do.

I agree, right thing to do

One July 4th our pontoon broke down in middle of main channel on Norman. We had gone to watch the fireworks. Could not get a single boat to come to our aid. Had to call 911 and get tow $ervice. True story.

I have always stopped to give help and would hope others did the same. The problems is people have lost the courtesy to help others and it is sad.

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Originally Posted by STUMP HUNTER

I have always stopped to give help and would hope others did the same. The problems is people have lost the courtesy to help others and it is sad.

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That's what the oldest law enforcement officer told the other officers. "Boys I keep telling yall, we leave in different times now!"

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Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Plus it’s just the right thing to do. We All Need Each Other.
You all are my neighbors!


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a toon would be impossible for me to pull anywhere.
I did have a problem about a year ago and a guy on a water ski came over and helped me. I was going to try and use the TM to get back to it was miles away.
He reminded me to check the safety switch on the key area. I had come loose, not off , just not tight.
I am very grateful .

Then, at the ramp a few weeks later a guys boat wouldn't start. I told him to check the safety switch. BAM, fired right up.

That doggone safety switch will get you, especially when the grandkids have been plundering in the boat. My boat switch will allow you to crank the engine with the starter with the safety toggle off. I would design the switch to prevent you from cranking the engine.

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Originally Posted by Jedi

That doggone safety switch will get you, especially when the grandkids have been plundering in the boat. My boat switch will allow you to crank the engine with the starter with the safety toggle off. I would design the switch to prevent you from cranking the engine.

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Another thing I have ran into a few times is the throttle not being completely in the neutral position. Looked like it was in neutral, but just moving it a little allowed the engine to crank.

As for stopping to help other boaters, I have towed in several vessels of different descriptions and usually been offered some money but never took any. It may be me next time. If I actually witnessed a wreck, no way I don't go over and see if I can help.

I have offered cash too. When I tow some one I just ask that they return the favor.
I was towed in by a bass boat (22' toon) they guy had over 200 hp I was almost planing . He wouldnt take a dime. Big motor wouldnt start trolling batteries dead from a day of fishing. The paddle just wasn't getting it.

You should help others as you would like help... I have helped many and have been helped..

It is the right thing to do.

I have towed a couple of boats and been towed once.

One time motor would not start and used trolling motor to get back to landing. Was very close to landing. After getting the boat home and getting ready to take it to the dealer saw the kill switch lanyard laying on the bottom of boat. Had a grandchild fishing with us and think someone stepped on lanyard and disconnected it. From now on I always make sure it is connected.

I knew that was a law, but wasn't sure where to find it. It shouldn't have to be a law to help someone out. I always try to assist when I see someone in need on the water. Luckily, I've only needed a tow one time and my dad was fishing near by and helped me. But, I've assisted several others and when the offer money I always tell them to make sure to stop for me or anyone else they see that needs the favor returned.

A couple months ago two young boys in a jon boat blew right past me while I was tightlining a narrow stretch of water. I really don't think they meant any harm, but they about swamped me out of pure ignorance. Well, karma kicked in and on my way back to the ramp I saw them paddling. I stopped and fished a few more spots while I watched them get a good helping of paddling. I then idled over and gave them a tow the rest of the 3 mile trip. They got a tow and a quick lesson in boat operation that day!

I knew that was a law, but wasn't sure where to find it. It shouldn't have to be a law to help someone out. I always try to assist when I see someone in need on the water. Luckily, I've only needed a tow one time and my dad was fishing near by and helped me. But, I've assisted several others and when they offer money I always tell them to make sure to stop for me or anyone else they see that needs the favor returned.

A couple months ago two young boys in a jon boat blew right past me while I was tightlining a narrow stretch of water. I really don't think they meant any harm, but they about swamped me out of pure ignorance. Well, karma kicked in and on my way back to the ramp I saw them paddling. I stopped and fished a few more spots while I watched them get a good helping of paddling. I then idled over and gave them a tow the rest of the 3 mile trip. They got a tow and a quick lesson in boat operation that day!