Which SOLAS and MARPOL regulations make casualty investigation mandatory for the flag State, what are the salient points of the Casualty Investigation Code, and what is a very serious marine casualty?
Short answer
| Instrument | What it makes mandatory |
|---|---|
| SOLAS I/21 | Investigate casualties that may show the regulations need changing |
| SOLAS XI-1/6 | Investigate in accordance with the Casualty Investigation Code |
| MARPOL Article 12 | Investigate casualties with a major deleterious effect on the marine environment |
| Load Lines Article 23 | A corresponding undertaking |
| MS Act 2025 s.231, s.232 | India: the marine safety investigation and further action on the report |
flowchart LR A["Marine incident: a near-miss"] --> B["Marine casualty"] B --> C["Very serious marine casualty: total loss, death or severe pollution"] C --> D["Investigation mandatory (ch 6)"]
- Purpose: prevent recurrence by establishing the causes, not apportion blame or determine liability.
- A very serious marine casualty involves the total loss of the ship, a death, or severe damage to the environment. Its investigation is mandatory (ch 6).
- The flag State investigates. Where several States are substantially interested, they agree one lead State (ch 7).
- The investigation is independent and impartial, separate from any disciplinary, criminal or liability investigation.
- The report with safety recommendations goes to IMO (GISIS) so the lessons are shared (ch 25).
- Guidelines A.1075(28) recommend investigating incidents too, because near-misses carry safety lessons.
- As Chief Engineer: preserve the engine-department evidence and cooperate fully with the safety investigation.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.