Regulation 8 Ordering and discontinuing a safety investigation

Where the Chief Inspector has received a notification under regulation 6(2) or (3) or, a report under regulation 6(5)(b), or has otherwise been notified of an accident, the Chief Inspector must decide whether a safety investigation should be carried out.

For the purposes of making a decision under paragraph (1), the Chief Inspector may obtain such information and evidence as the Chief Inspector considers relevant concerning the accident and any remedial action taken as a result^f1.

The Chief Inspector must ensure a safety investigation is carried out in relation to an accident that is a very serious marine casualty involving a United Kingdom ship covered by the IMO Code.

The Chief Inspector may carry out a safety investigation in relation to an accident that does not fall within paragraph (3).

Where the Chief Inspector decides that a safety investigation is to be carried out—

Where the Chief Inspector decides that a safety investigation is not to be carried out, the Chief Inspector must record that decision as soon as is reasonably practicable.

Subject to paragraph (8), the Chief Inspector may decide to discontinue a safety investigation at any time and must publish the reasons for doing so.

The Chief Inspector must not discontinue a safety investigation into an accident that is a very serious marine casualty involving a United Kingdom ship covered by the IMO Code, unless a Substantially Interested State is carrying out an investigation into that accident in accordance with the IMO Code.