RedactedNarrative: On 08/06/2020, I was on routine patrol on NRP vessel 154. Around 8:00 pm we received a call from dispatch for a Personal Watercraft (PWC) accident in the area of 32nd street and the Bay.
  
  Upon arrival to the rental company, “The rental company the pwc belonged to,” we were met by the guide and the receptionist. Both were able to advise us on the ski that was involved and who the operator was at the time of the accident. Operator 1, was the operator of a green and black pwc bearing Maryland registration 4448 LB. The pwc had visible damage on the starboard side of the ski with multiple cracks and a hole just above the waterline.  Speaking with Operator 1, he stated that was not paying attention, was going too fast, and could not stop when he had hit a dock. He rolled off the ski at the time of impact and was not injured. This was his first time renting and operating a pwc and could not stop it.
  
  Speaking with the receptionist, she stated that from the beginning Operator 1 seemed off and was not giving his full attention for the written test. He had trouble with the written test but did pass and signed all waivers. While watching from the porch area of the office she could see Operator 1 ski riding too close to the houses and was above 6 knots within 100 ft of the docks. She did not see the accident but saw the damage when the ski was brought back to the dock.
  Speaking with the pwc guide for the group, he stated that he did not see the actual impact or accident happen, but he did see Operator 1 riding too close to other skis and riding outside the riding area. He also stated that Operator 1 did not pay attention during his safety brief and that he was joking around and dancing the whole time to the point he had to be warned multiple time to pay attention. The guide was in the process of terminating Operator 1’s trip for not following the instructions to stay inside the riding area and being within 100ft of other vessels and the shore. When he was bringing the skis back to the dock, it was the first time he noticed all the damage to the ski and was advised of any accident at all. Once the vessels were docked OCPD and NRP were contacted.
  
  Upon gathering all statements and speaking to all the subjects involved, Operator 1 admitted to being at fault for the accident. He received a citation for operating a pwc more than 6 knots within 100' of a structure in the water and a citation for failure to obey navigation rules of the road (#8- Failure to take action to avoid a collision.) Inexperience, speed, and inattentiveness were all big factors in this.
  
  All events occurred in Worcester County, MD.
  