If you’ve been involved in a serious boating accident — or need documentation for legal, insurance, or investigative purposes — obtaining a Coast Guard accident report is a critical step. These reports contain official findings, witness statements, and technical details that can clarify liability and support your claim.
This guide walks you through how to request a Coast Guard accident report (Form CG-3865), what information you’ll need, and how it differs from state-level boating reports.
⚓ What Is a Coast Guard Accident Report?
The U.S. Coast Guard requires operators to file a Boating Accident Report (BAR) — also known as Form CG-3865 — when certain incidents occur on navigable waters. These include:
- Death or disappearance of a person
- Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid
- Property damage exceeding $2,000
- Total loss of a vessel
The report includes:
- Vessel and operator information
- Narrative of the incident
- Environmental conditions
- Witness statements
- Charts or diagrams (if applicable)
🧾 Who Files the Report?
- The vessel operator is legally responsible for filing the report.
- In commercial cases, the employer or vessel owner may also be involved.
- If the Coast Guard investigates the incident, they may generate a Marine Casualty Investigation Report in addition to the CG-3865.
📍 Where to Request a Coast Guard Accident Report
To obtain a copy of a Coast Guard accident report:
- Determine the investigating unit
Find out which Coast Guard sector or district handled the report. This is usually based on the location of the incident. - Submit a FOIA request
Accident reports are typically released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). You can submit a request to: Commandant (CG-611)
U.S. Coast Guard
2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE
Washington, DC 20593-7710
Or submit online via the FOIA.gov portal. - Include key details
Your request should include:- Date and location of the accident
- Names of vessels or operators involved
- Case number (if known)
- Your contact information
- Reason for the request (optional but helpful)
- Wait for processing
FOIA requests can take several weeks. You may receive a redacted version depending on privacy or ongoing investigation status.
🧭 Coast Guard vs. State Reports: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Coast Guard Report (CG-3865) | State Boating Accident Report |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Navigable waters, federal oversight | Inland waters, state jurisdiction |
| Filing threshold | $2,000+ damage, injury, death | Varies by state (some as low as $500) |
| Access method | FOIA request | State agency request (e.g., wildlife or parks department) |
| Use in litigation | Often more detailed and federally admissible | Useful for insurance and local claims |
For comprehensive documentation, it’s often helpful to request both the Coast Guard and state-level reports.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Documentation Matters
Whether you’re pursuing a legal claim, defending against liability, or simply seeking clarity, a Coast Guard accident report can be a vital piece of evidence. It provides an official, third-party account of what happened — and may include findings that support your version of events.
If you’re unsure how to request the report or need help interpreting it, consult a boat accident attorney. They can assist with FOIA filings, analyze the report’s findings, and use it to strengthen your case.