MARINE CASUALTIES AND INVESTIGATIONS

• Citation: 46 CFR Part 4
• Sections: 84

§ 4.01-1 Scope of regulation.

The regulations in this part govern the reporting of marine casualties, the investigation of marine casualties and the submittal of reports designed to increase the likelihood of timely assistance to vessels in distress.

§ 4.01-3 Reporting exclusion.

(a) Vessels subject to 33 CFR 173.51 are excluded from the requirements of subpart 4.05.

(b) Vessels which report diving accidents under 46 CFR 197.484 regarding deaths, or injuries which cause incapacitation for greater than 72 hours, are not required to give notice under § 4.05-1(a)(5) or § 4.05-1(a)(6).

(c) Vessels are excluded from the requirements of § 4.05-1(a)(5) and (a)(6) with respect to the death or injury of shipyard or harbor workers when such accidents are not the result of either a vessel casualty (e.g., collision) or a vessel equipment casualty (e.g., cargo boom failure) and are subject to the reporting requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under 29 CFR 1904.

(d) Except as provided in subpart 4.40, public vessels are excluded from the requirements of this part.

§ 4.03-0 xxx

Link to an amendment published at 91 FR 39485, June 30, 2026.

§ 4.03-1 Marine casualty or accident.

Marine casualty or accident means—

(a) Any casualty or accident involving any vessel other than a public vessel that—

(1) Occurs upon the navigable waters of the United States, its territories or possessions;

(2) Involves any United States vessel wherever such casualty or accident occurs; or

(3) With respect to a foreign tank vessel operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), involves significant harm to the environment or material damage affecting the seaworthiness or efficiency of the vessel.

(b) The term “marine casualty or accident” applies to events caused by or involving a vessel and includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Any fall overboard, injury, or loss of life of any person.

(2) Any occurrence involving a vessel that results in—

(i) Grounding;

(ii) Stranding;

(iii) Foundering;

(iv) Flooding;

(v) Collision;

(vi) Allision;

(vii) Explosion;

(viii) Fire;

(ix) Reduction or loss of a vessel's electrical power, propulsion, or steering capabilities;

(x) Failures or occurrences, regardless of cause, which impair any aspect of a vessel's operation, components, or cargo;

(xi) Any other circumstance that might affect or impair a vessel's seaworthiness, efficiency, or fitness for service or route; or

(xii) Any incident involving significant harm to the environment.

(3) Any occurrences of injury or loss of life to any person while diving from a vessel and using underwater breathing apparatus.

(4) Any incident described in § 4.05-1(a).

§ 4.03-2 Serious marine incident.

The term serious marine incident includes the following events involving a vessel in commercial service:

(a) Any marine casualty or accident as defined in § 4.03-1 which is required by § 4.05-1 to be reported to the Coast Guard and which results in any of the following:

(1) One or more deaths;

(2) An injury to a crewmember, passenger, or other person which requires professional medical treatment beyond first aid, and, in the case of a person employed on board a vessel in commercial service, which renders the individual unfit to perform routine vessel duties;

(3) Damage to property, as defined in § 4.05-1(a)(7) of this part, in excess of $200,000;

(4) Actual or constructive total loss of any vessel subject to inspection under 46 U.S.C. 3301; or

(5) Actual or constructive total loss of any self-propelled vessel, not subject to inspection under 46 U.S.C. 3301, of 100 gross tons or more.

(b) A discharge of oil of 10,000 gallons or more into the navigable waters of the United States, as defined in 33 U.S.C. 1321, whether or not resulting from a marine casualty.

(c) A discharge of a reportable quantity of a hazardous substance into the navigable waters of the United States, or a release of a reportable quantity of a hazardous substance into the environment of the United States, whether or not resulting from a marine casualty.

§ 4.03-4 Individual directly involved in a serious marine incident.

The term individual directly involved in a serious marine incident is an individual whose order, action or failure to act is determined to be, or cannot be ruled out as, a causative factor in the events leading to or causing a serious marine incident.

§ 4.03-5 Medical facility.

The term medical facility means an American hospital, clinic, physician's office, or laboratory, where blood and urine specimens can be collected according to recognized professional standards.

§ 4.03-6 Qualified medical personnel.

The term qualified medical personnel means a physician, physician's assistant, nurse, emergency medical technician, or other person authorized under State or Federal law or regulation to collect blood and urine specimens.

§ 4.03-7 Chemical test.

The term chemical test means a scientifically recognized test which analyzes an individual's breath, blood, urine, saliva, bodily fluids, or tissues for evidence of dangerous drug or alcohol use.

§ 4.03-10 Party in interest.

The term party in interest shall mean any person whom the Marine Board of Investigation or the investigating officer shall find to have a direct interest in the investigation conducted by it and shall include an owner, a charterer, or the agent of such owner or charterer of the vessel or vessels involved in the marine casualty or accident, and all licensed or certificated personnel whose conduct, whether or not involved in a marine casualty or accident is under investigation by the Board or investigating officer.

§ 4.03-15 Commandant.

The Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, is that officer who acts as chief of the Coast Guard and is charged with the administration of the Coast Guard.

§ 4.03-20 Coast Guard district.

A Coast Guard district is one of the geographical areas whose boundaries are described in 33 CFR part 3.

§ 4.03-25 District Commander.

The District Commander is the chief of a Coast Guard district and is charged with the administration of all Coast Guard responsibilities and activities within his respective district, except those functions of administrative law judges under the Administrative Procedure Act (60 Stat. 237, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. ) and activities of independent units of the Coast Guard, such as the Coast Guard Yard and the Coast Guard Academy.

§ 4.03-30 Investigating officer.

An investigating officer is an officer or employee of the Coast Guard designated by the Commandant, District Commander or the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, for the purpose of making investigations of marine casualties and accidents or other matters pertaining to the conduct of seamen. An Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, is an investigating officer without further designation.

§ 4.03-35 Nuclear vessel.

The term nuclear vessel means any vessel in which power for propulsion, or for any other purpose, is derived from nuclear energy; or any vessel handling or processing substantial amounts of radioactive material other than as cargo.

§ 4.03-40 Public vessels.

Public vessel means a vessel that—

(a) Is owned, or demise chartered, and operated by the U.S. Government or a government of a foreign country, except a vessel owned or operated by the Department of Transportation or any corporation organized or controlled by the Department (except a vessel operated by the Coast Guard or Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation); and

(b) Is not engaged in commercial service.

§ 4.03-45 Marine employer.

Marine employer means the owner, managing operator, charterer, agent, master, or person in charge of a vessel other than a recreational vessel.

§ 4.03-50 Recreational vessel.

Recreational vessel means a vessel meeting the definition in 46 U.S.C. 2101 that is then being used only for pleasure.

§ 4.03-55 Law enforcement officer.

Law enforcement officer means a Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer; or any other law enforcement officer authorized to obtain a chemical test under Federal, State, or local law.

§ 4.03-60 Noxious liquid substance (NLS).

Noxious liquid substance (NLS) means—

(a) Each substance listed in 33 CFR 151.47 or 151.49;

(b) Each substance having an “A,” “B,” “C,” or “D” beside its name in the column headed “IMO Annex II pollution category” in table 1 of part 153 of this chapter; and

(c) Each substance that is identified as an NLS in a written permission issued under § 153.900(d) of this chapter.

§ 4.03-65 Significant harm to the environment.

Significant harm to the environment means—

(a) In the navigable waters of the United States, a discharge of oil as set forth in 40 CFR 110.3 or a discharge of hazardous substances in quantities equal to or exceeding, in any 24-hour period, the reportable quantity determined in 40 CFR part 117;

(b) In other waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including the EEZ—

(1) A discharge of oil in excess of the quantities or instantaneous rate permitted in 33 CFR 151.10 or 151.13 during operation of the ship; or

(2) A discharge of noxious liquid substances in bulk in violation of §§ 153.1126 or 153.1128 of this chapter during the operation of the ship; and

(c) In waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including the EEZ, a probable discharge of oil, hazardous substances, marine pollutants, or noxious liquid substances. The factors you must consider to determine whether a discharge is probable include, but are not limited to—

(1) Ship location and proximity to land or other navigational hazards;

(2) Weather;

(3) Tide current;

(4) Sea state;

(5) Traffic density;

(6) The nature of damage to the vessel; and

(7) Failure or breakdown aboard the vessel, its machinery, or equipment.

§ 4.03-70 Tank vessel.

Tank vessel means a vessel that is constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil, hazardous substances, marine pollutants, or noxious liquid substances, in bulk as cargo or cargo residue.

§ 4.03-75 Merchant mariner credential and credential.

The following definitions apply to this part:

Credential means any or all of the following:

(1) Merchant mariner's document.

(2) Merchant mariner's license.

(3) STCW endorsement.

(4) Certificate of registry.

(5) Merchant mariner credential.

Merchant mariner credential or MMC means the credential issued by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 10. It combines the individual merchant mariner's document, license, and certificate of registry enumerated in 46 U.S.C. subtitle II part E as well as the STCW endorsement into a single credential that serves as the mariner's qualification document, certificate of identification, and certificate of service.

§ 4.04-1 Reports of potential vessel casualty.

A vessel owner, charterer, managing operator or agent shall immediately notify either of the following Coast Guard officers if there is reason to believe a vessel is lost or imperiled.

(a) The Coast Guard district rescue coordination center (RCC) cognizant over the area the vessel was last operating in; or

(b) The Coast Guard search and rescue authority nearest to where the vessel was last operating.

Reasons for belief that a vessel is in distress include, but are not limited to, lack of communication with or nonappearance of the vessel.

§ 4.04-3 Reports of lack of vessel communication.

The owner, charterer, managing operator or agent of a vessel that is required to report to the United States flag Merchant Vessel Location Filing System under the authority of section 212(A) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 App. U.S.C. 1122a), shall immediately notify the Coast Guard if more than 48 hours have passed since receiving communication from the vessel. This notification shall be given to the Coast Guard district RCC cognizant over the area the vessel was last operating in.

(Information collection requirements approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1625-0048)

§ 4.04-5 Substance of reports.

The owner, charterer, managing operator or agent, notifying the Coast Guard under § 4.04-1 or § 4.04-3, shall:

(a) Provided the name and identification number of the vessel, the names of the individuals on board, and other information that may be requested by the Coast Guard (when providing the names of the individuals on board for a passenger vessel, the list of passengers need only meet the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 3502); and

(b) Submit written confirmation of that notice to the Coast Guard facility that the notice was given to within 24 hours.

(Information collection requirements approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1625-0048)

§ 4.05-1 Notice of marine casualty.

(a) Immediately after the addressing of resultant safety concerns, the owner, agent, master, operator, or person in charge, shall notify the nearest Sector Office, Marine Inspection Office or Coast Guard Group Office whenever a vessel is involved in a marine casualty consisting in—

(1) An unintended grounding, or an unintended strike of (allision with) a bridge;

(2) An intended grounding, or an intended strike of a bridge, that creates a hazard to navigation, the environment, or the safety of a vessel, or that meets any criterion of paragraphs (a) (3) through (8);

(3) A loss of main propulsion, primary steering, or any associated component or control system that reduces the maneuverability of the vessel;

(4) An occurrence materially and adversely affecting the vessel's seaworthiness or fitness for service or route, including but not limited to fire, flooding, or failure of or damage to fixed fire-extinguishing systems, lifesaving equipment, auxiliary power-generating equipment, or bilge-pumping systems;

(5) A loss of life;

(6) An injury that requires professional medical treatment (treatment beyond first aid) and, if the person is engaged or employed on board a vessel in commercial service, that renders the individual unfit to perform his or her routine duties; or

(7) An occurrence causing property-damage in excess of $75,000, this damage including the cost of labor and material to restore the property to its condition before the occurrence, but not including the cost of salvage, cleaning, gas-freeing, drydocking, or demurrage.

(8) An occurrence involving significant harm to the environment as defined in § 4.03-65.

(b) Notice given as required by 33 CFR 160.215 satisfies the requirement of this section if the marine casualty involves a hazardous condition as defined by 33 CFR 160.202.

(c) Except as otherwise required under this subpart, if the marine casualty exclusively involves an occurrence or occurrences described by paragraph (a)(8) of this section, a report made pursuant to 33 CFR 153.203, 40 CFR 117.21, or 40 CFR 302.6 satisfies the immediate notification requirement of this section.

§ 4.05-2 Incidents involving foreign tank vessels.

(a) Within the navigable waters of the United States, its territories, or possessions. The marine casualty reporting and investigation criteria of this part apply to foreign tank vessels operating on the navigable waters of the United States, its territories, or possessions. A written marine casualty report must be submitted under § 4.05-10 of this chapter.

(b) Outside the U.S. navigable waters and within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The owner, agent, master, operator, or person in charge of a foreign tank vessel involved in a marine casualty must report under procedures detailed in 33 CFR 151.15, immediately after addressing resultant safety concerns, whenever the marine casualty involves, or results in—

(1) Material damage affecting the seaworthiness or efficiency of the vessel; or

(2) An occurrence involving significant harm to the environment as a result of a discharge, or probable discharge, resulting from damage to the vessel or its equipment. The factors you must consider to determine whether a discharge is probable include, but are not limited to—

(i) Ship location and proximity to land or other navigational hazards;

(ii) Weather;

(iii) Tide current;

(iv) Sea state;

(v) Traffic density;

(vi) The nature of damage to the vessel; and

(vii) Failure or breakdown aboard the vessel, its machinery, or equipment.

§ 4.05-5 Substance of marine casualty notice.

The notice required in § 4.05-1 must include the name and official number of the vessel involved, the name of the vessel's owner or agent, the nature and circumstances of the casualty, the locality in which it occurred, the nature and extent of injury to persons, and the damage to property.

§ 4.05-10 Written report of marine casualty.

(a) The owner, agent, master, operator, or person in charge must, within 5 days, file a written report of any marine casualty required to be reported under § 4.05-1. This written report is in addition to the immediate notice required by § 4.05-1. This written report must be delivered to a Coast Guard Sector Office or Marine Inspection Office. It must be provided on Form CG-2692 (Report of Marine Casualty, Commercial Diving Casualty, or OCS-Related Casualty), and supplemented as necessary by appended Forms CG-2692A (Barge Addendum), CG-2692B (Report of Mandatory Chemical Testing Following a Serious Marine Incident Involving Vessels in Commercial Service), CG-2692C (Personnel Casualty Addendum), and/or CG-2692D (Involved Persons and Witnesses Addendum).

(b) If filed without delay after the occurrence of the marine casualty, the report required by paragraph (a) of this section suffices as the notice required by § 4.05-1(a).

§ 4.05-12 Alcohol or drug use by individuals directly involved in casualties.

(a) For each marine casualty required to be reported by § 4.05-10, the marine employer shall determine whether there is any evidence of alcohol or drug use by individuals directly involved in the casualty.

(b) In the written report (Forms CG-2692 and CG-2692B) submitted for the casualty, the marine employer must include information that—

(1) Identifies those individuals for whom evidence of drug or alcohol use, or evidence of intoxication, has been obtained; and,

(2) Specifies the method used to obtain such evidence, such as personal observation of the individual, or by chemical testing of the individual.

(c) An entry shall be made in the official log book, if carried, pertaining to those individuals for whom evidence of intoxication is obtained. The individual must be informed of this entry and the entry must be witnessed by a second person.

(d) If an individual directly involved in a casualty refuses to submit to, or cooperate in, the administration of a timely chemical test, when directed by a law enforcement officer or by the marine employer, this fact must be noted in the official log book, if carried, and in the written report (Forms CG-2692 and CG-2692B), and shall be admissible as evidence in any administrative proceeding.

§ 4.05-15 Voyage records, retention of.

(a) The owner, agent, master, or person in charge of any vessel involved in a marine casualty shall retain such voyage records as are maintained by the vessel, such as both rough and smooth deck and engine room logs, bell books, navigation charts, navigation work books, compass deviation cards, gyro records, stowage plans, records of draft, aids to mariners, night order books, radiograms sent and received, radio logs, crew and passenger lists, articles of shipment, official logs and other material which might be of assistance in investigating and determining the cause of the casualty. The owner, agent, master, other officer or person responsible for the custody thereof, shall make these records available upon request, to a duly authorized investigating officer, administrative law judge, officer or employee of the Coast Guard.

(b) The investigating officer may substitute photostatic copies of the voyage records referred to in paragraph (a) of this section when they have served their purpose and return the original records to the owner or owners thereof.

§ 4.05-20 Report of accident to aid to navigation.

Whenever a vessel collides with a buoy, or other aid to navigation under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, or is connected with any such collision, it shall be the duty of the person in charge of such vessel to report the accident to the nearest Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. No report on Form CG-2692 is required unless one or more of the results listed in § 4.05-1 occur.

§ 4.05-25 Reports when state of war exists.

During the period when a state of war exists between the United States and any foreign nation, communications in regard to casualties or accidents shall be handled with caution and the reports shall not be made by radio or by telegram.

§ 4.05-30 Incidents involving hazardous materials.

When a casualty occurs involving hazardous materials, notification and a written report to the Department of Transportation may be required. See 49 CFR 171.15 and 171.16.

§ 4.05-35 Incidents involving nuclear vessels.

The master of any nuclear vessel shall immediately inform the Commandant in the event of any accident or casualty to the nuclear vessel which may lead to an environmental hazard. The master shall also immediately inform the competent governmental authority of the country in whose waters the vessel may be or whose waters the vessel approaches in a damaged condition.

§ 4.05-40 Alternate electronic means of reporting.

The Commandant may approve alternate electronic means of submitting notices and reports required under this subpart.

§ 4.06-1 Responsibilities of the marine employer.

(a) At the time of occurrence of a marine casualty, a discharge of oil into the navigable waters of the United States, a discharge of a hazardous substance into the navigable waters of the United States, or a release of a hazardous substance into the environment of the United States, the marine employer shall make a timely, good faith determination as to whether the occurrence currently is, or is likely to become, a serious marine incident.

(b) When a marine employer determines that a casualty or incident is, or is likely to become, a serious marine incident, the marine employer shall take all practicable steps to have each individual engaged or employed on board the vessel who is directly involved in the incident chemically tested for evidence of drug and alcohol use as required in this part.

(c) The marine employer determines which individuals are directly involved in a serious marine incident (SMI). A law enforcement officer may determine that additional individuals are directly involved in the SMI. In these cases, the marine employer must take all practical steps to have these additional individuals tested according to this part.

(d) The requirements of this subpart do not prevent personnel who are required to be tested from performing duties in the aftermath of an SMI when their performance is necessary to respond to safety concerns directly related to the incident.

(e) The marine employer shall ensure that all individuals engaged or employed on board a vessel are fully indoctrinated in the requirements of this subpart, and that appropriate vessel personnel are trained as necessary in the practical applications of these requirements.

§ 4.06-3 Requirements for alcohol and drug testing following a serious marine incident.

When a marine employer determines that a casualty or incident is, or is likely to become, an SMI, the marine employer must ensure that the following alcohol and drug testing is conducted:

(a) Alcohol testing. (1) Alcohol testing must be conducted on each individual engaged or employed on board the vessel who is directly involved in the SMI.

(i) The alcohol testing of each individual must be conducted within 2 hours of when the SMI occurred, unless precluded by safety concerns directly related to the incident.

(ii) If safety concerns directly related to the SMI prevent the alcohol testing from being conducted within 2 hours of the occurrence of the incident, then alcohol testing must be completed as soon as the safety concerns are addressed.

(iii) Alcohol testing is not required to be conducted more than 8 hours after the occurrence of the SMI.

(2) Alcohol-testing devices must be used according to the procedures specified by the manufacturer of the testing device and by this part.

(3) If the alcohol testing required in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section is not conducted, the marine employer must document on Forms CG-2692 and CG-2692B the reason why the testing was not conducted.

(4) The marine employer may use alcohol-testing results from tests conducted by Coast Guard or local law enforcement personnel to satisfy the alcohol testing requirements of this part only if the alcohol testing meets all of the requirements of this part.

(b) Drug testing. (1) Drug testing must be conducted on each individual engaged or employed on board the vessel who is directly involved in the SMI.

(i) The collection of drug-test specimens of each individual must be conducted within 32 hours of when the SMI occurred, unless precluded by safety concerns directly related to the incident.

(ii) If safety concerns directly related to the SMI prevent the collection of drug-test specimens from being conducted within 32 hours of the occurrence of the incident, then the collection of drug-test specimens must be conducted as soon as the safety concerns are addressed.

(2) If the drug-test specimens required in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this section were not collected, the marine employer must document on Forms CG-2692 and CG-2692B the reason why the specimens were not collected.

§ 4.06-5 Responsibility of individuals directly involved in serious marine incidents.

(a) Any individual engaged or employed on board a vessel who is determined to be directly involved in an SMI must provide a blood, breath, saliva, or urine specimen for chemical testing when directed to do so by the marine employer or a law enforcement officer.

(b) If the individual refuses to provide a blood, breath, saliva, or urine specimen, this refusal must be noted on Forms CG-2692 and CG-2692B and in the vessel's official log book, if a log book is required. The marine employer must remove the individual as soon as practical from duties that directly affect the safe operation of the vessel.

(c) Individuals subject to alcohol testing after an SMI are prohibited from consuming alcohol beverages for 8 hours following the occurrence of the SMI or until after the alcohol testing required by this part is completed.

(d) No individual may be compelled to provide specimens for alcohol and drug testing required by this part. However, refusal to provide specimens is a violation of this subpart and may subject the individual to suspension and revocation proceedings under part 5 of this chapter, a civil penalty, or both.

§ 4.06-15 Accessibility of chemical testing devices.

(a) Alcohol testing. (1) The marine employer must have a sufficient number of alcohol testing devices readily accessible on board the vessel to determine the presence of alcohol in the system of each individual who was directly involved in the SMI.

(2) All alcohol testing devices used to meet the requirements of this part must be currently listed on either the Conforming Products List (CPL) titled “Modal Specifications for Devices To Measure Breath Alcohol” or “Conforming Products List of Screening Devices To Measure Alcohol in Bodily Fluids,” which are published periodically in the Federal Register by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

(3) The alcohol testing devices need not be carried on board each vessel if obtaining the devices and conducting the required alcohol tests can be accomplished within 2 hours from the time of occurrence of the SMI.

(b) Drug testing. (1) The marine employer must have a sufficient number of urine-specimen collection and shipping kits meeting the requirements of 49 CFR part 40 that are readily accessible for use following SMIs.

(2) The specimen collection and shipping kits need not be carried on board each vessel if obtaining the kits and collecting the specimen can be completed within 32 hours from the time of the occurrence of the SMI.

§ 4.06-20 Specimen collection requirements.

(a) Alcohol testing. (1) When conducting alcohol testing required in § 4.06-3(a), an individual determined under this part to be directly involved in the SMI must provide a specimen of their breath, blood, or saliva to the marine employer as required in this subpart.

(2) Collection of an individual's blood to comply with § 4.06-3(a) must be taken only by qualified medical personnel.

(3) Collection of an individual's saliva or breath to comply with § 4.06-3(a) must be taken only by personnel trained to operate the alcohol-testing device in use and must be conducted according to this subpart.

(b) Drug testing. (1) When conducting drug testing required in § 4.06-3(b), an individual determined under this part to be directly involved in the SMI must provide a specimen of their urine according to 46 CFR part 16 and 49 CFR part 40.

(2) Specimen collection and shipping kits used to conduct drug testing must be used according to 49 CFR part 40.

§ 4.06-30 Specimen collection in incidents involving fatalities.

(a) When an individual engaged or employed on board a vessel dies as a result of a serious marine incident, blood and urine specimens must be obtained from the remains of the individual for chemical testing, if practicable to do so. The marine employer shall notify the appropriate local authority, such as the coroner or medical examiner, as soon as possible, of the fatality and of the requirements of this subpart. The marine employer shall provide the specimen collection and shipping kit and request that the local authority assist in obtaining the necessary specimens. When the custodian of the remains is a person other than the local authority, the marine employer shall request the custodian to cooperate in obtaining the specimens required under this part.

(b) If the local authority or custodian of the remains declines to cooperate in obtaining the necessary specimens, the marine employer shall provide an explanation of the circumstances on Form CG-2692B (Report of Mandatory Chemical Testing Following a Serious Marine Incident Involving Vessels in Commercial Service).

§ 4.06-40 Specimen handling and shipping.

(a) The marine employer shall ensure that blood specimens collected in accordance with §§ 4.06-20 and 4.06-30 are promptly shipped to a testing laboratory qualified to conduct tests on such specimens. A proper chain of custody must be maintained for each specimen from the time of collection through the authorized disposition of the specimen. Blood specimens must be shipped to the laboratory in a cooled condition by any means adequate to ensure delivery within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt by the carrier.

(b) The marine employer shall ensure that the urine specimen collection procedures of § 16.113 of this chapter and the chain of custody requirements of 49 CFR part 40, subpart D, are complied with. The marine employer shall ensure that urine specimens required by §§ 4.06-20 and 4. 06-30 are promptly shipped to a laboratory complying with the requirements of 49 CFR part 40. Urine specimens must be shipped by an expeditious means, but need not be shipped in a cooled condition for overnight delivery.

§ 4.06-50 Specimen analysis and follow-up procedures.

(a) Each laboratory will provide prompt analysis of specimens collected under this subpart, consistent with the need to develop all relevant information and to produce a complete analysis report.

(b) Reports shall be sent to the Medical Review Officer meeting the requirements of 49 CFR 40.121, as designated by the marine employer submitting the specimen for testing. Wherever a urinalysis report indicates the presence of a dangerous drug or drug metabolite, the Medical Review Officer shall review the report as required by 49 CFR part 40, subpart G, and submit his or her findings to the marine employer. Blood test reports indicating the presence of alcohol shall be similarly reviewed to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation.

(c) Analysis results which indicate the presence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, or drug metabolites shall not be construed by themselves as constituting a finding that use of drugs or alcohol was the probable cause of a serious marine incident.

§ 4.06-60 Submission of reports and test results.

(a) Whenever an individual engaged or employed on a vessel is identified as being directly involved in a serious marine incident, the marine employer shall complete Form CG-2692B (Report of Mandatory Chemical Testing Following a Serious Marine Incident Involving Vessels in Commercial Service).

(b) When the serious marine incident requires the submission of Form CG-2692 (Report of Marine Casualty, Commercial Diving Casualty, or OCS-Related Casualty) to the Coast Guard in accordance with § 4.05-10, the report required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be appended to Form CG-2692.

(c) In incidents involving discharges of oil or hazardous substances as described in § 4.03-2 (b) and (c) of this part, when Form CG-2692 is not required to be submitted, the report required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be submitted to the Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction over the location where the discharge occurred or nearest the port of first arrival following the discharge.

(d) Upon receipt of the report of chemical test results, the marine employer shall submit a copy of the test results for each person listed on the CG-2692B to the Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to whom the CG-2692B was submitted.

(e) The Commandant may approve alternate electronic means of submitting reports and test results as required under paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section.

§ 4.06-70 Penalties.

Violation of this part is subject to the civil penalties set forth in 46 U.S.C. 2115.

§ 4.07-1 Commandant or District Commander to order investigation.

(a) The Commandant or District Commander upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or accident, will immediately cause such investigation as may be necessary in accordance with the regulations in this part.

(b) The investigations of marine casualties and accidents and the determinations made are for the purpose of taking appropriate measures for promoting safety of life and property at sea, and are not intended to fix civil or criminal responsibility.

(c) The investigation will determine as closely as possible:

(1) The cause of the accident;

(2) Whether there is evidence that any failure of material (either physical or design) was involved or contributed to the casualty, so that proper recommendations for the prevention of the recurrence of similar casualties may be made;

(3) Whether there is evidence that any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, negligence or willful violation of the law on the part of any person holding a Coast Guard credential contributed to the casualty, so that appropriate proceedings against the credential of such person may be recommended and taken under 46 U.S.C. 6301;

(4) Whether there is evidence that any Coast Guard personnel or any representative or employee of any other government agency or any other person caused or contributed to the cause of the casualty; or,

(5) Whether the accident shall be further investigated by a Marine Board of Investigation in accordance with regulations in subpart 4.09.

§ 4.07-5 Investigating officers, powers of.

(a) An investigating officer investigates each marine casualty or accident reported under §§ 4.05-1 and 4.05-10.

(b) Such investigating officer shall have the power to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, require persons having knowledge of the subject matter of the investigation to answer questionnaires and require the production of relevant books, papers, documents and other records.

(c) Attendance of witnesses or the production of books, papers, documents or any other evidence shall be compelled by a similar process as in the United States District Court.

§ 4.07-7 Opening statement.

The investigating officer or the Chairman of a Marine Board of Investigation shall open the investigation by announcing the statutory authority for the proceeding and he shall advise parties in interest concerning their rights to be represented by counsel, to examine and cross-examine witnesses, and to call witnesses in their own behalf.