Protecting the Pacific Northwest
Sector Columbia River enjoys an interactive relationship with the public and the media. On occasion someone will need a copy of Coast Guard
public records associated with an incident. Below is a description of the process and time frame involved in making such a request.
How to Make a FOIA Request: If you require a copy of Coast Guard records or information relating to a Search and Rescue
case or any other type of incident response, you must submit a written request to
Coast Guard Headquarters office CG-611. The request should indicate that it is being made "Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act". Describe
the records you want as specifically as possible, furnish any facts or clues about the date, time, place, persons, events, subjects, or other
details of the information or records you want. The requestor's name, address, and telephone number must also be included. This request
may be sent via email to
efoia@uscg.mil (best) or may be faxed to (202) 475-3929.
Mailing Address:
Commandant (CG-611)
Attn: FOIA Officer
U.S. Coast Guard STOP 7710
2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE
Washington, DC 20593-7710
Personal Identifying Information (PII): In accordance with
Coast Guard policy and the Privacy Act this unit is not permitted to release
documents containing Personal Identifying Information (i.e. social security
numbers, personal home phone numbers, personal addresses..etc). When
submitting a FOIA request to the Coast Guard, the request must include
a statement agreeing to the release of the records with the Personal
Identifying Information removed to
protect personal privacy. A simple statement such as the example below will
be sufficient.
"I accept the release of Coast Guard documents
associated with this FOIA request with all personal identifying information
(PII) removed."
FOIA Response Time: Some requesters may tell you that the Coast Guard is required to provide all the records to them within twenty days. This is not the case. Although all units should try to provide records within the twenty day time frame, the Coast Guard is required only to make a determination as to whether the records are releasable within twenty days and then forward the records promptly thereafter. If special situations exist, the FOIA office will contact you with an estimated completion date and explain the reason for delay. The Coast Guard works requests on a first-in, first-out basis.
FOIA Costs: The FOIA allows charging fees based on the requester's category below.
SEARCH | REVIEW | DUPLICATION | |
---|---|---|---|
COMMERCIAL | Charge | Charge | Charge |
EDUCATION & SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH & NEWS MEDIA |
Free | Free | First 100 Pages Free |
ALL OTHERS | First 2 hours Free | Free | First 100 Pages Free |
PERSONAL DHS EMPLOYEE RECORDS |
No Fee | No Fee | No Fee |