The guide explained how operators and owners met federal filing requirements after serious boating incidents. It summarized when a federal form was required, which documents served as the standard, and where to obtain them.
Readers learned that deaths, injuries needing medical care beyond first aid, disappearances suggesting harm, and significant property or vessel damage triggered mandatory filing under federal rules.
The text listed the common forms—CG‑3865 and CG‑3865‑SP—and noted states sometimes accepted equivalents. It pointed to NASBLA for state contacts and to the USCG CG‑Forms page for the English and Spanish versions.
Deadline details were clear: urgent incidents required submission within 48 hours for serious outcomes, and other qualifying events were due within 10 days. The collected information fed national databases like BARD and supported improved navigation safety, regulatory updates, and education.
Key Takeaways
- Federal filing applied when deaths, serious injuries, disappearances, or major property loss occurred.
- CG‑3865 and CG‑3865‑SP were the standard forms; some states used equivalents.
- Files were typically routed to a BARD administrator for national statistics.
- Submit within 48 hours for serious outcomes; otherwise, submit within 10 days.
- Data supported safety standards, investigations, boater education, and regulatory improvements.
Coast Guard Accident Report: What It Is And Who Needs It
The CG‑3865 is the Recreational Boating Accident Report used to document qualifying incidents involving leisure vessels. Most states accept the CG‑3865; a Spanish version (CG‑3865‑SP) is available for bilingual submissions. Data from these forms flows to the Boating Accident Report Database (BARD), the national repository the U.S. Coast Guard maintains.
Definitions: CG‑3865, Marine Casualty Records, And BARD
The term marine casualty records for recreational craft mainly means the completed CG‑3865 forms that state authorities forward to BARD. The form, the state reporting office, and the national database play separate roles in the data chain.
How Reports Support Boating Safety And Regulations
Owners or operators of qualifying recreational vessels must file when thresholds are met. Consistent filing gives regulators actionable information that guides safety standards, equipment fixes, and outreach to reduce future accidents.
- Who files: owners or operators of involved vessels in U.S. waters or territories.
- State practice: most states accept CG‑3865; some use comparable state forms for BARD submission.
- Impact: aggregated data informs navigation hazard mitigation, rule updates, and educational priorities while protecting personal privacy.
For the federal filing rule and related citations, see the federal filing rule, which explains thresholds and procedures.
When Reporting Is Required Under Federal Regulations
Certain outcomes during a boating occurrence automatically require notification under federal regulations. Operators and owners must know the thresholds and deadlines that trigger formal submission.
Injury, Death, Or Disappearance Beyond First Aid Thresholds
Reporting is required when a person dies, when a person is injured and needs medical treatment beyond first aid, or when a person disappears under circumstances indicating death or injury.
The operator or owner bears responsibility for filing even if others were involved. When in doubt, they should contact the state authority immediately.
Property Damage, Vessel Loss, And Monetary Limits
Federal requirements trigger when total damage to vessels and other property is $2,000 or more, or when a vessel is destroyed. Some states set lower dollar thresholds.
Operators should document the extent of damage and note whether the vessel was lost or rendered unusable.
Key Citations: 33 CFR 173.51 And State Variations
The regulation at 33 CFR 173.51 defines qualifying outcomes, timelines, and filing duties. States may adopt lower monetary limits or additional steps, so checking local guidance is essential.
| Trigger | Threshold | Deadline | Who Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death of a person | N/A | Within 48 hours if death occurs within 24 hours | Operator or owner |
| Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid | N/A | Within 48 hours | Operator or owner |
| Person disappears under harmful circumstances | N/A | Within 48 hours | Operator or owner |
| Property or vessel damage | $2,000 or state lower limit | Within 10 days for non-life-threatening events | Operator or owner |
Good documentation at the time of the occurrence helps compliance: names, contacts, vessel ID, estimated damage, and environmental conditions. Accurate records support safety analysis and help the Coast Guard and state partners track trends.
For practical guidance on who must act and when, consult the state authority or this detailed overview on when an operator must file: when an operator must report.
How To File CG‑3865 With Your State Reporting Authority
Filing the CG‑3865 with the proper state office starts with locating the accepted form and confirming submission rules. This prevents delays and helps the record flow to the national database administrator.
Where To Find The Form And Accepted Versions
The CG‑3865 and CG‑3865‑SP can be downloaded from the USCG CG‑Forms page. Most states accept these versions, but some use a state form instead.
Verify the accepted version on the primary boating authority site before submitting.
Submitting To State Contacts And BARD Administrators
Use the NASBLA directory to find the correct state contact for filing. They will route the submission to the Boat Accident Report Database administrator.
Keep copies of confirmations and any case numbers received.
Timelines: Within 48 Hours Or Within 10 Days
Submit within hours when a death, serious injury, or disappearance occurs; submit within days for other qualifying events. Meeting these timelines avoids penalties and preserves evidence.
Completing Critical Fields: Vessel, Persons, Circumstances
Complete vessel identification, operator and person details, weather and navigation conditions, equipment, and a clear narrative of circumstances.
Attach photos, repair estimates, and medical information when available. For state filing requirements and practical guidance, see this overview on state procedures: state filing requirements.
Requesting A Copy Of A Filed CG‑3865 Accident Report
To obtain a filed CG‑3865, start with the state boating authority that maintains initial records. State offices receive submitted forms first and usually control public access before national databases are updated.
State Pathway: Primary Boating Authority And Records Requests
The primary boating authority listed by NASBLA is the usual first stop. It processes public records or FOIA‑equivalent requests and may forward data to a BARD administrator.
What To Include In Your Request (Dates, Vessels, Location)
Provide concise identifying information: date of the occurrence, waterway or navigation location, vessel registration or name, and known person or operator names.
- Include incident numbers or prior correspondence to speed searches.
- Specify the exact form type (CG‑3865 or state equivalent) and any attachments submitted.
- Ask agencies to search the reported year and adjacent years for processing delays.
- Request fee schedules, estimated processing times, and whether notarization or proof of interest is required.
Note: States often release redacted documents to protect privacy while keeping core facts and property damage summaries. If the state pathway fails, broader FOIA options and national datasets can supplement searches; see federal filing guidance at federal filing guidance.
Accessing Marine Casualty And Boating Accident Data
Annual summaries condense state filings into national statistics that highlight trends in recreational boating. These publications help practitioners, educators, and analysts track causes and outcomes.
Annual Boating Statistics From The U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard publishes annual Recreational Boating Statistics drawn from state-submitted forms and BARD extracts.
The 2019–2024 editions are downloadable; the 2019–2023 volumes were revised on February 12, 2025. Earlier editions can be requested from rbsinfo@uscg.mil.
Using The Boating Accident Report Database (BARD)
BARD is the operational database that stores records on accidents, vessels, fatalities, and injuries. Data originate with state filings; clear, complete submissions improve national information quality.
| Year Range | Downloads Available | Key Metrics | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2023 | PDF & datasets (revised 2/12/2025) | Accidents, vessels involved, fatalities, injuries | rbsinfo@uscg.mil |
| 2024 | PDF and machine-readable files | Contributing factors, trends, vessel counts | Boating Safety Division |
| Historical | Earlier PDFs on request | Long-term trends, damage vessels totals, vessels property | rbsinfo@uscg.mil |
Researchers should consult both PDFs and machine-readable datasets to validate findings. Precise location and circumstance fields make it easier to link weather, waterway type, and operator behavior to outcomes.
FOIA Options For Historical Accident Records
Freedom of Information Act requests can yield de‑identified BARD datasets for researchers and advocacy groups. Requesters should expect personally identifiable information to be withheld under privacy rules. Federal agencies balance transparency with legal protections.
What FOIA Can Provide And PII Limitations
FOIA often provides de‑identified tables and documentation suitable for analysis. Typical files include accident tables, vessel details, fatalities, and injury summaries.
Personal names and sensitive contact fields are removed. Organizations needing named parties should use state records processes where permissible.
Recent Releases And Years Typically Available
In January 2023, the Data Liberation Project filed a FOIA for a full BARD extract minus PII. In April 2024, the u.s. coast guard proposed focusing review on 2009–2022. The requester agreed to include 2023 once cleared.
On July 12, 2024, the agency released three datasets (2009–2013, 2014–2022, and 2023) plus a data dictionary and notes. Converted formats included SQLite, CSV, and Parquet.
Totals in the release: 58,430 boating accidents, 78,316 vessels, 8,935 deaths, and 36,773 injuries.
- De‑identified BARD records and documentation are available via FOIA.
- 2009–2023 datasets exist in multiple research‑friendly formats.
- Expect tables for incidents, vessels, fatalities, injuries, and a data dictionary.
- Earlier years may need extra releasability review, slowing delivery.
- Cite the July 12, 2024 release as a precedent to speed processing.
| Item | Scope | Formats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released Years | 2009–2023 | Access DB, SQLite, CSV, Parquet | Split into three year ranges; includes dictionary |
| Record Counts | Accidents, vessels, fatalities, injuries | Tabular datasets | Totals provided in release metadata |
| PII Handling | Redacted/removed | N/A | Named parties withheld; use state records for PII |
When filing FOIA requests, specify years, formats, and scope. Referencing the public release helps clarify expectations and may shorten review time.
Documentation And Evidence To Gather Before Requesting
A well‑organized packet of identifiers and evidence speeds searches and reduces follow‑up questions from state offices.
Start with core identifiers: vessel registration or HIN, operator name, and person names. Add exact dates, times, and the navigation location where the occurrence happened.
Collect proof of property and vessel damage: repair invoices, estimates, and clear photos of hull and gear. These items document the extent of damage and assist verification.
Prepare medical records when injury treatment went beyond first aid—discharge summaries, bills, and provider notes clarify the severity of treatment. For guidance on medical documentation, see medical documentation guidance.
- Witness contact details and statements to support agency checks.
- Environmental facts: weather, visibility, and water conditions that explain circumstances.
- Copies of the original report, emails with the state office, and any incident numbers.
- A concise factual narrative that matches submitted information to avoid discrepancies.
Organize files with clear filenames and dates. More complete information typically produces faster searches and fewer clarification requests. For an overview of filing requirements, consult this guide to filing requirements.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Delays
Timely compliance hinges on knowing the submission windows and the exact thresholds that trigger action. Missing key steps creates extra work and slows outcomes for operators, insurers, and agencies.
Quick Guidance: Deadlines matter: submit within hours for death, serious injury, or disappearance (48 hours) and within days for other qualifying events (10 days). Clarify whether a person received medical treatment beyond first aid before deciding not to file.
Missing Deadlines And Threshold Misunderstandings
Common errors include misreading the $2,000 federal damage threshold and ignoring lower state limits. Failing to include full vessel identification, names, and clear circumstances prompts correction requests.
- Record exact hours and dates; keep proof of timely submission to the state authority.
- Use the most current form the state accepts to avoid rejection.
- Match the narrative across filings and insurance documents to prevent delays.
- Verify receipt and case numbers; follow up if acknowledgments do not arrive.
| Common Mistake | Why It Delays | How To Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Missed deadline | Creates compliance risk and slows handling | Track hours, submit within 48 hours or 10 days |
| Wrong threshold | Under‑reporting injury or damage | Confirm federal and state requirements |
| Incomplete IDs | Agency requests corrections | Include full vessel details and person names |
| Inconsistent narrative | Delays verification and approvals | Keep a single factual statement for all filings |
Final tip: Thorough, accurate reporting improves boating safety and reduces back‑and‑forth. For steps after an injury, consult what to do after a boating.
Conclusion
When operators file complete information, national statistics gain the detail needed to shape safer practices. Timely compliance, guided by clear federal regulations, keeps recreational boating safer and supports better navigation training.
File the CG‑3865 with the state authority, include precise vessel identification and vessel circumstances, and keep confirmation of receipt. Use USCG annual reports and BARD datasets for risk awareness and training.
FOIA releases offer de‑identified historical information useful for analysis of boating accidents trends. Thorough submissions improve the quality of national reports and inform safety initiatives led by the coast guard.
Bookmark forms, state contacts, and deadlines. Use these resources to protect lives, reduce injury and death, and strengthen boating safety practices.
FAQ
What is the CG‑3865 form and why is it used?
The CG‑3865 is the standardized form used to document marine casualties and boating incidents. It records vessel identification, location, weather, injuries, property damage, and the sequence of events. Agencies, insurance companies, and safety officials use it to evaluate causes, enforce regulations, and improve recreational boating safety.
Who must file a CG‑3865 or similar marine casualty record?
Federal rules require anyone in charge of a recreational vessel to report events that meet thresholds for death, serious injury beyond first aid, disappearance, or significant property damage. State authorities may also require reporting of incidents that fall below federal thresholds; operators should check local regulations.
What thresholds trigger a mandatory report under federal regulations?
Mandatory reporting triggers include a fatality, an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, disappearance of a person from a vessel under unexplained circumstances, or property loss/damage that exceeds the federal monetary limit. The primary citation for these thresholds is 33 CFR 173.51; states can set different monetary limits and additional criteria.
Where can someone find and download the current CG‑3865 form?
The form is available from state boating authorities and national maritime safety websites. Many state boating offices post the accepted version online and provide guidance on how to complete it. Users should confirm the edition required by their state before submission.
How and where should a completed CG‑3865 be submitted?
Completed forms go to the primary boating safety authority in the state where the incident occurred. Some states accept electronic submission to their BARD (Boating Accident Report Database) administrator; others require mail or in‑person filing. Contact the state boating office for exact submission procedures and addresses.
What are the required timelines for filing?
Timelines vary: incidents involving serious injury or death usually require a report within 48 hours, while non‑fatal incidents that meet reporting thresholds commonly require submission within 10 days. State rules can be stricter, so operators must verify deadlines with local authorities.
What information is critical to include on the form?
Essential fields include vessel name and documentation/registration, operator and passenger names, exact location and time, a clear description of injuries and treatment beyond first aid, damage estimates, photos if available, and a narrative of circumstances leading to the event. Accurate contact details speed follow‑up.
How can someone request a copy of a filed CG‑3865?
Requests go to the state agency that maintains boating records. Provide incident date, vessel name or registration, location, and names of involved parties to help locate the file. Many states respond to written records requests or offer online portals to retrieve submitted forms.
Is detailed data from annual boating statistics and BARD accessible to the public?
Yes. Annual national statistics and summarized datasets from the Boating Accident Report Database are published for public use. These resources present trends, causes, and safety recommendations while excluding personally identifiable information where required.
Can historical incident files be obtained through FOIA or state public records laws?
Historical files may be available through Freedom of Information Act requests or state public records requests. Agencies redact personally identifiable information and medical details to protect privacy. Response times and available years vary by office.
What documentation should be gathered before requesting a record?
Gather the incident date and time, vessel registration or documentation number, names of operator and passengers, location, photos, medical treatment receipts, and any insurance claim numbers. Providing specific identifiers speeds retrieval and reduces back‑and‑forth with records custodians.
What common mistakes cause delays in obtaining records?
Frequent errors include missing or incorrect incident dates, incomplete vessel identifiers, wrong recipient agency, and failing to specify the type of record sought. Missing deadlines for original filing or using an outdated form also creates complications. Confirm state requirements and double‑check details before submission.
How do state reporting requirements differ from federal rules?
States may set lower monetary thresholds for property damage, require reporting for additional incident types, or impose faster filing deadlines. Operators should consult the state boating authority where the event occurred to ensure compliance with local statutes and administrative rules.
What happens after a report is filed with the state authority?
The state reviews the submission for completeness, may investigate or request clarifications, and forwards statistical data to national databases as required. Investigations can lead to enforcement actions, safety recommendations, or changes in local boating education priorities.
Are there privacy concerns when requesting or publishing these records?
Yes. Privacy laws require redaction of sensitive personal and medical information before release. Public summaries and statistical outputs remove identifying details, but full incident files released under FOIA or state law may have redacted sections to comply with privacy protections.