Vessel Reporting Requirements

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. COAST GUARD

Vessel Reporting Requirements

OMB No. 1625-0048 Exp: 03/31/2023

Who must comply?	An owner, charterer, managing operator or agent of a vessel of the United States to immediately notify the Coast Guard if there is reason to believe that the vessel may have been lost or imperiled. Further, the owner, charterer, managing operator or agent of a vessel required to report to the United States Flag Merchant Vessel Location Filing System (USMER) must immediately notify the Coast Guard if more than 48 hours pass since last receiving communication from the vessel. These reports must be followed by written confirmation submitted to the Coast Guard within 24 hours. 46 U.S.C. 2306(c) gives the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security authority to prescribe regulations to carry out 46 U.S.C. 2306(a), which became effective April 17, 1985. The Secretary has delegated rulemaking authority to the Commandant of the Coast Guard in 33 CFR 1.05. The Coast Guard’s implementing regulations are in 46 CFR Part 4.
What is this collection about?	To increase the likelihood of timely assistance to vessels in distress, especially those that cannot communicate their distress to the vessel’s owner or others in a position to help, and to place a burden of responsibility upon the owner, charterer, managing operator or agent for the safety of the vessels. This is of the utmost importance since these persons are often the only ones with knowledge of the vessels’ intended movements.
Where do I find the requirements for this information?	33 CFR 1.05, 46 CFR Part 4
When must information be submitted to the Coast Guard?	When an owner, charterer, managing operator or agent of a vessel of the United States believes there is reason the vessel may have been lost or imperiled.
How is the information submitted?	The information specified above is vessel specific, is on-occasion reporting of a vessel being in possible distress. E-mail is not an acceptable form of notification in search and rescue, as the SAR system is not equipped for timely receipt and/or response to email. Only follow-up reports may be submitted via electronic mail.
What happens when complete information is received?	The information obtained from these reports will be used by the Coast Guard to determine if the vessel reported on is in distress and if so, to take action to provide needed assistance.
For additional information, contact--	Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue 202-372-2075