RedactedNarrative: On 10/21/16 at about 8:45pm v-1 a 2012 tidewater 20 foot center console was traversing south in the indian river which is a portion of the atlantic intracoastal waterway.
  
  V-1 had two occupants, the operator was at the helm and the passenger was seated in front of the console on a forward equipment locker. V-1's operator reports he has local knowledge of the area and was traveling approximately 20 to 25 mph. A spotlight was on the vessel for navigational purposes.
  
  V-1 collided with icw channel marker 55 head on causing the aid to be a total loss. Damage to v-1 was on the bow from the collision with the marker and damage to the console from the operator's body being thrown into it. 
  
  Just prior to collision, v-1's passenger reports he saw a glimpse of the marker while seated on the forward equipment locker and dove down onto the deck of v-1. This action caused v-1's operator to turn his attention to the passenger's actions and at this point the marker was struck. 
  
  The actions of the collision caused serious injuries to the operator's face as he was thrown into the center console of the vessel and minor injuries to the passenger. After the incident the occupants were able to motor back to the ramp in edgewater where they launched from. 
  
  The operator sought immediate medical attention from bert fish hospital in  new smyrna beach and the passenger sought medical attention the next day from memorial hospital in daytona beach. The operator suffered broken nose, facial fracture, lacerations to both upper and lower lips requiring stitches, right eye swollen shut with cornial scratch, bruising legs. The occupant suffered lower back/tailbone pain and neck pain
  
  The operator of v-1 stated that it was his belief that all aids to navigation were lighted at night. It was this belief coupled with speed and the fact that his attention was turned to the passenger's actions were all contributing factors to this crash.
  
  The operator was cited with a written warning for violation of rule 6 speed