54 Proceedings Summer 2025 Charting Digital Waters Strengthening U.S. Coast Guard marine casualty investigations with electronic evidence by lcdR tom Whalen National Technical Advisor Investigations National Center of Expertise U.S. Coast Guard T he digital revolution has profoundly transformed the maritime domain, making electronic evidence a vital component of U.S. Coast Guard marine casualty investigations. As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into maritime operations, the focus for investigators has shifted from simple data col- lection to the sophisticated analysis and secure pres- ervation of massive amounts of digital evidence. This article delves into the Coast Guard’s forward-thinking approach of harnessing cutting-edge technology to enhance investigative outcomes. From the early incorpo- ration of electronics in maritime operations to compelling real-world examples that highlight the power of digital evidence in deciphering complex maritime incidents, we explore how the Coast Guard is using resources like the Investigations National Center of Expertise, digital forensic labs, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary to navigate the evolving maritime digital landscape. Electronics in Marine Transportation Electronics have been pivotal in the advancement of the entire marine transportation system. From early radar systems guiding vessels through fog to today’s sophis- ticated integrated bridge systems, digital technology underpins safe, efficient maritime operations. Modern ships are now rich digital environments, generating and storing extensive information ranging from voy- age data recorders (VDR) and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to intricate engine diagnostics, stability and loading systems, and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). A VDR serves as the “black box” for a ship. Analogous to an aircraft’s “black box,” the flight data recorder for aviation, a VDR continuously records crucial informa- tion about a vessel’s operations and its surroundings. This data typically encompasses details such as the ship’s position, speed, heading, communications on the bridge, radar imagery, ECDIS data, rudder commands and responses, courses and speeds, engine status, alarm systems, and hull stress. The purpose of a VDR is to provide investigators a comprehensive, chronological record of events leading up to an incident, enabling a thorough understanding of voyage events and factors contributing to a complex accident. This proliferation of digital data, while offering unprecedented insight into maritime incidents, simul- taneously presents significant challenges in terms of data preservation and sophisticated processing after it is retrieved and analyzed. Regulatory Framework of Digital Evidence The regulatory framework for electronic voyage data ensures the collection, storage, and use of critical navi- gational and operational information for safety and investigative purposes. On the international level, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea mandates that commercial ships of 3,000 gross tons Mark L. Jenkins downloads electronic evidence aboard a vessel. A former Coast Guardsman with 21 years of service, Jenkins was the first digital forensics examiner in the Northeast District and founded the Coast Guard Northeast District’s Digital Forensics Lab in Boston, which now bears his name. Coast Guard photo
