The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division works to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the water.
The division monitors national incident data, implements corrective measures, manages regulations, and oversees grants that support boating safety programs.
The Management and Operations Branch leads the national efforts to enhance the safety, security, and stewardship of America’s recreational boating community. As part of the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety (CG-BSX), BSX-21 develops and implements policies, standards, and operational strategies that support over 11 million registered recreational vessels across the United States. Through collaborative partnerships, evidence-based policy development, and targeted safety initiatives, BSX-21 works to ensure that recreational boaters enjoy U.S. waterways in a manner that is safe, responsible, and consistent with national standards. The branch plays a central role in aligning federal and state efforts, improving operational consistency, and supporting the Coast Guard’s mission of protecting lives on the water.
The Grants Management Branch manages the full grant administrative process and works with program staff to ensure compliance with federal directives and grantee requirements.
The Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch implements the Recreational Boat Testing & Compliance Program (RBTCP), inspects and tests recreational boats for compliance with safety standards, interprets Federal regulations, issues manufacturer identification codes (MIC), administers recalls for safety defects, and investigates consumer complaints.
Mailing Address
Commandant (CG-BSX-2)
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Stop 7501
Washington, DC 20593-7501
Phone Information
206.815.6920
- Option 1: Grants Management (State and Nonprofit)
- Option 2: Hull Identification Numbers (HIN), Recalls, and Defects
- Option 3: Manufacturer Identification Codes (MIC)
- Option 4: Recreational Boating Safety Equipment
- Option 5: Recreational Boat Manufacturer Questions
- Option 6: Recreational Boating Safety Requirements
- Option 7: General Information