Regulation 6 Ordering of Investigation

Any accident to which these Regulations apply may be investigated. Where an accident occurs, the Chief Inspector shall decide whether or not an investigation is required, and where a report has been received under regulation 5 shall cause the masteror owner to be notified of his decision. He may before deciding cause to be obtained such further information as he considers necessary. The owner or master of the ship concerned shall upon being so required provide such further information to the best of his ability and knowledge.

The Chief Inspector may order in view of the importance or seriousness of the accident that the investigation takes the form of an Inspector’s Inquiry, to be carried out by one or more inspectors of marine accidents appointed under section 33(1) of the Act, or additionally or alternatively by such other person or persons whom he may appoint specifically for the purpose; and such other person or persons shall have the powers conferred on an inspector by section 27 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1979^f1.

Public notice that an Inspector’s Inquiry has been ordered shall be given in such manner as the Chief Inspector may think fit, and shall invite any persons who so desire to make representations to the inspector in writing within a time to be specified in the notice.