Coast Guard: Sexual Assault On U.S. Ships Is A Crime That Must Be Reported

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin reminding mariners that sexual assault is a crime and that it must be reported to the Coast Guard when taking place on a U.S.-flag ship.

MSIB 11-21, issued Thursday, addresses reporting requirements for U.S.-flag vessels along with tips on how to report. While the law requires the master or individual in charge of a U.S. documented vessel to make the report, too often sexual assaults go unreported. To overcome this challenge, the Coast Guard encourages all victims and witnesses of sexual assaults on U.S. vessels to report directly to the Coast Guard. Below are some helpful reminders about how to report.

• Reports can be made via phone to the National Command Center at 202-372-2100, which is available 24/7 to field reports that initiate investigations.
• The Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service (CGIS) also has a website that enables ANYONE, either anonymously or with attribution, to report criminal offenses directly to the Coast Guard.
• You can also download the “CGIS Tips” mobile app available for download on major mobile app marketplaces.

The Coast Guard says it will respond to any reports of sexual assault with trained investigators and will hold offenders accountable through criminal prosecution and, or, actions against USCG issued merchant mariner credentials (MMCs).

The publishing of the MSIB comes on the same day that the U.S. Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration announced a plan to reinstate Sea Year training at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with new policies and procedures in place to protect cadets against sexual assault and sexual harassment. The program was temporarily paused in November amid reports of sexual assault during the program.

“Safety at sea requires teamwork both aboard vessels and between the vessel and shoreside management. Workplace climates which enable sexual offenses erode trust and teamwork and put mariners’ lives at risk,” said Rear Admiral John Mauger, Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy. “Sexual assault is a crime. When they happen aboard a U.S. vessel it must be reported to the Coast Guard. Coast Guard investigators will respond, and we will hold offenders accountable.”

The MSIB also clarifies that tips submitted via the CGIS Tips app will satisfy the reporting requirements of 46 U.S. Code § 10104(a), as long as they are attributable with detailed contact information for further follow-up.

Sexual offenses are defined in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 109A, and include sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact.

MSIB 11-21: Reporting Sexual Assaults on U.S. Vessels