Why does the NTSB investigate some accidents and the Coast Guard others?
Under the terms of the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974, the NTSB may conduct an investigation of any major marine casualty, or any casualty involving public and nonpublic vessels. However, if the casualty involves a Coast Guard and a nonpublic vessel with a least one fatality or $75,000 in property damage, then NTSB shall conduct the investigation as the lead agency. Additionally, if the Coast Guard and the NTSB agree, the NTSB shall act as the lead investigative agency in any casualty involving public and nonpublic vessels with a least one fatality or $75,000 in property damage, or any major marine casualty which involves significant safety issues related to Coast Guard functions. The Coast Guard’s mandated responsibility to investigate marine casualties or accidents, including those involving injury to maritime personnel, is much broader in scope and the agency’s investigative responsibility is not eliminated nor diminished in any manner, regardless of the NTSB’s role in a casua
