In U.S. waters, the Federal Boating Safety
Act of 1971 contains a "Good Samaritan"
provision that states:
"Any person...who gratuitously and in
good faith renders assistance at the
scene of a vessel collision, accident,
or other casualty without objection of
any person assisted, shall not be held
liable for any act or omission in
providing or arranging salvage, towage,
medical treatment, or other assistance
where the assisting person acts as a
ordinary, reasonable prudent man would
have acted under the same or similar
circumstances."