USCG Marine Casualty Reporting Procedures Guide with Associated Standard Interpretations

Posted on July 25, 2015

The Coast Guard published Navigation and Vessel Circular, or NVIC 01-15, to provide guidance for the identification and reporting of marine casualties. Over the years, maritime industry stakeholders frequently noted that Coast Guard field commands had varying interpretations regarding what types of marine incidents should be reported and investigated under 46 CFR Part 4.

To address the concerns, NVIC 01-15 clarifies terminology and phrases within the regulatory context, draw attention to helpful regulatory citations and provide concise policy interpretations to assist involved parties in the casualty reporting process. It is impossible to outline every scenario that may apply to this subject within the highly dynamic and complex maritime environment; however, this circular is intended to serve as a common framework of understanding for both Coast Guard and maritime industry personnel.

Due to the complexity of the subject and inconsistent enforcement, the Coast Guard recognizes that additional guidance to clarify these requirements would benefit both Coast Guard field commanders and the marine industry. Such clarification furthers the Coast Guard’s goal of providing consistent national guidance regarding marine casualty reporting to all stakeholders.

This circular provides additional guidance to standardize the collection and reporting of marine casualty data by clarifying existing regulations, policies, and procedures. Specifically, enclosure (1) assists responsible parties with the evaluation of occurrences  that would constitute a reportable marine casualty or hazardous condition and subsequently require action by both the Coast Guard and maritime industry stakeholders. The Coast Guard should be notified of a hazardous condition under 33 CFR 160.216 for certain types of incidents that do not reach the threshold of a reportable marine casualty.

NVIC 01-2015