To estimate the rate of BW reporting, the NBIC compares the number of submitted BWMRs with the overall number of qualifying overseas and coastwise Notices of Arrival (NOA), as reported by the USCG’s National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC). Due to differences in the program missions of the NBIC and the NVMC, estimated reporting compliance rates should be viewed primarily as relative measures across the geographic regions of the US rather than in absolute terms.
Since the two programs were created to serve different purposes, and therefore have separate reporting requirements, uniform comparisons for all geographic locations in the US are not possible. To establish appropriate comparisons, the NBIC applied a variety of quality control and assurance protocols to ensure that comparisons between the two data sources were valid (e.g., standardized vessels and arrival locations, identified vessels required to report to both entities, and aimed to have only one BWMR or NOA of record for each arrival).