Safety Defect Report Overview

The Coast Guard investigates consumer complaints about recreational boats and related equipment when the situation meets the following criteria:

• The complaint relates to a boat or associated equipment that is less than 5 years old.
• The condition described is a violation of federal regulations OR is safety related (that is, it is a defect that creates a substantial risk of personal injury).
• The defect causes a failure or dangerous condition that occurs suddenly (that is, substantially without warning).

To report such a possible safety defect, use the online Boat Owner's Report - Possible Safety Defect.