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Casualty Investigation Code and its applicability
Applicable to:
Indian seafarers, shipowners, companies, MTIs
Effective Date:
08.12.2023
Superseded Circulars:
None
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Casualty Investigation Code Applicability
The Casualty Investigation Code, 2006, is now in force through SOLAS XV/6. It mandates consistent approaches to casualty investigations and reporting requirements to IMO.
- Applicable Casualties: Any death, loss of vessel, or severe damage to the environment.
- Investigation Requirements: Conduct preliminary inquiry under Section 359 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and issue findings as DGS Circulars.
- Reporting Requirements: Upload findings on GISIS to comply with IMO reporting.
2. Investigation Conduct
Preliminary inquiries and investigations are to be conducted by Surveyors appointed under Section 9 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, with knowledge in the area of the casualty.
- Qualifications: M.Sc. in Maritime Affairs from World Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden, or Casualty Investigation Training from the same institution, or completion of one preliminary inquiry with an experienced investigator.
- Nominations: Principal Officer of the jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) to nominate Surveyors for inquiries and investigations.
- Timelines: Initial report - 3 days, interim report - 30 days, final report - 90 days, recommendations - 90 days.
II/4
SoPs for conduct of Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) u/s 359, and Investigation u/s 389, of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
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