The Coast Guard's data base of documented mariners is incomplete and not currently maintained. However, of the number documented, 5.3 percent are women. In addition, there are a small number of women employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Washington State Ferries. According to Federal, State, and local officials in the States of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, only four cases of sexual assaults aboard ships had come to their attention since 1981. Neither the Coast Guard nor the Federal Bureau of Investigation compile nationwide statistics on sexual offenses committed aboard ships. However, the Coast Guard through a search of its national data base of disciplinary proceedings was able to identify two additional cases, both of which occurred in Hawaiian waters. It is believed that more sexual assaults actually take place than are reported to authorities, and, in order to provide a better idea of the dimensions of the problem, greater reporting of such offenses has been encouraged. 6 tables and 6 appendies.