This section of our Commandant (CG-INV) site provides information regarding Commandant Marine Boards of Investigation and other Formal level marine safety investigations conducted by the Coast Guard. Examples of Formal investigations convened by the Commandant include a Marine Board of Investigation (MBOI) convened under Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 4.09 or a Board of Inquiry under Title 46, United States Code, §70035. District Commanders and OCMIs convene Formal level investigations under Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 4.07.
Under Coast Guard policy and procedures the Commandant, a District Commander, or an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) will consider convening a Formal investigation for any incident where evidence of one or more of the following is determined to be true:
- significant failures in the operational or safety management of one or more of the vessels involved
- significant failures in the structural integrity, operational systems, or safety systems of one or more of the vessels involved
- significant disruption in the maritime transportation system or maritime commerce
- significant threat to the port, public safety, or the environment
- significant loss of life or serious injuries
- significant property damage to one or more of the vessels involved, shore side facilities, or other property or goods.
A Formal investigation consists of the same fundamental elements of a standard Coast Guard marine safety investigation, but constitutes a more structured, public investigative process that expands on the investigation efforts normally undertaken for other, less significant incidents.
The following is a list of sites providing Information about individual Marine Boards of Investigations, Boards of Inquiry, and Other Formal Investigations. If you have any questions regarding investigations that are not included on this list, please contact Commandant (CG-INV) at HQS-SMB-CG-INV@uscg.mil.