Aug. 14, 2026

MSIB 03-26: Update to Reporting Sexual Misconduct and Harassment on U.S. Vessels

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 updated 46 U.S.C. 10104 with a definition for harassment. Responsible entities of US vessels are required to report incidents that meet the definition of harassment to the US Coast Guard. The definition of harassment includes conduct prohibited by existing federal anti-discrimination statutes, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. This safety bulletin is provided to provide clarifying information on mandatory reporting with updates from the NDAA 2026.

Sept. 29, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions on Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment Reporting Requirements

Beginning in April 2023, Coast Guard Officers in Charge, Marine Inspections (OCMI) began a year-long education and outreach campaign to maritime industry personnel on the requirements and preferred mechanisms for an individual or responsible entity to file a report. During these interactions, Coast Guard personnel encountered a series of frequently asked questions, which are provided below.

Feb. 10, 2023

MSIB: Reporting sexual misconduct on U.S. vessels

The Coast Guard has released Marine Safety Information Bulletin 01-23 "Reporting sexual Misconduct on U.S. vessels" to emphasize the Coast Guards commitment to investigating and pursuing appropriate enforcement actions for all reports of sexual misconduct on U.S. flagged vessels.