Explanatory note

These rules prescribe the procedure to be followed at any formal investigation into a shipping casualty or incident. The wreck commissioner will be assisted by one or more assessors. Notice of the formal investigation must be served on anyone who in the opinion of the Secretary of State ought to be made a party, though other persons may apply to the wreck commissioner to be made a party. At the end of the formal investigation the wreck commissioner shall give his decision regarding an officer's certificate, in cases where it was liable to be cancelled or suspended, and make a report to the Secretary of State. An assessor may sign the report with or without reservations.