Download the Marine Defender app to report and map oil pollution and marine debris.
Marine Defenders App FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What happens when I submit an oil spill report through the Marine Defenders app?
- What happens when I submit a marine debris report through the Marine Defenders app?
- What is the National Response Center (NRC)?
- Can I try the app before I join?
- Can I make a report from demo mode?
- Where can I get the app?
- Why do I need to provide my state and phone number when I create an account?
- How can I view a report?
- How can I view my past reports?
- How many photos can I include with my report?
- Do I have to include a photo with my report?
- Can I call the NRC from my iPad?
- How do I create a group filter?
- Who can access my group filters?
- How do I delete a group filter?
- What happens if my phone is out of service range?
- How do I get GPS coordinates if my cell phone is out of service range?
What happens when I submit an oil spill report through the Marine Defenders app?
When you submit an oil spill report using the Marine Defenders app, it goes to two places. First, your report is automatically uploaded to our database. It will appear on the Google map interface both in the app and on the Marine Defenders website.
Your report will also be called into the National Response Center, which in turn will notify your local authorities to come and investigate the incident.
What happens when I submit a marine debris report through the Marine Defenders app?
When you submit a marine debris report using the Marine Defenders app, it is automatically uploaded to the database and will be visible on the Google map interface both in the app and on the Marine Defenders website.
Marine debris reports will NOT be called into the National Reporting Center. If the debris that you see is very serious in nature or if it is a potential hazard to navigation, you may wish to report the incident to the NRC by calling 1-800-424-8802.
What is the National Response Center (NRC)?
The National Response Center (NRC) is the sole federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical spills. If you have a spill to report, you can call them at 1-800-424-8802, visit their website, or use the Marine Defenders app and we will report the incident for you.
The NRC is responsible for disseminating information about pollution incidents to the proper authorities. When you report an oil spill, the NRC will notify your local sector of the US Coast Guard.
Can I try the app before I join?
>Yes. Before you join Marine Defenders, there will be an option to view the app in “Demo Mode.” Once you have created an account, demo mode will no longer be available on your sign in.
Can I make a report from demo mode?
No. In order for your reports to appear in the Marine Defenders database and be called into the National Response Center, you must create an account and log in.
You can get the Marine Defenders app for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.
Why do I need to provide my state and phone number when I create an account?
This information is required for all reports submitted to the National Response Center. The NRC may need to contact you after they have received your report in order to verify the incident details before they send the Coast Guard or other authorities out to investigate.
You can view reports in the app by tapping on an individual pin or by tapping on one of the reports listed in the “Recent Reports” table below.
How can I view my past reports?
When you tap “Make a new pollution report,” you will be taken to the “Reporting” page, which displays a log of all reports created by you.
How many photos can I include with my report?
You can submit up to three photos with your pollution report.
Do I have to include a photo with my report?
No, including photos is optional.
Can I call the NRC from my iPad?
The option to call the NRC from the app is only available for iPhones at this time. If you are using the iPad to report pollution and would like to call the NRC, write down the phone number and your GPS coordinates displayed on the screen and use the nearest phone to call.
How do I create a group filter?
Select the “Choose Filter” button to go to the “Filters” page. Click the “Add New Filter” button and type in the name and a brief description of your filter. When you are done and have selected “Add Filter,” it will appear in the “My Filters” section.
Who can access my group filters?
Anyone can access a filter created by the Marine Defenders app. Check back for future generations of the app for features like filter password protection.
How do I delete a group filter?
You can only delete filters that you have created. In order to delete a filter, hold your finger on the filter and slide to the left. A little red “Delete” button will appear. Deleting your filter will not delete the reports made within it.
What happens if my phone is out of service range?
If your phone is out of service when you are attempting to make a report, the report data will be saved. When your phone is back in signal range it will automatically send the report.
How do I get GPS coordinates if my cell phone is out or service range?
If you know that you are going to be outside of cell phone signal range and would like to be able to use the Marine Defenders app, leaving your phone on as you travel out of service allows the phone to remain linked to the GPS satellite even if you are out of phone service.
If you are out of service on a boat with a GPS, you can also manually type in GPS coordinates in the “Additional Notes” section of your report.