3. Asia Regional Marine Accident Investigators Meeting
In response to increasing interest in promoting international cooperation in marine accident investigation, in regions under the jurisdiction of the IMO and elsewhere, the Marine Accidents Inquiry Agency hosted the first Asia Regional Marine Accident Investigators Meeting from October 21 through 23, 1998, in Tokyo. The forum was attended by investigators from the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, as well as the Commander of the Far East Activities of the United States Coast Guard.
Although the basic premise of international cooperation on marine accident investigation is outlined in the proposed IMO code to govern research on marine accidents and incidents [assembly resolution A.849 (20)], the fact that every country has its own approach means that development of a unified system is a challenging task. However, there are many areas in which cooperation is possible now, providing countries make the effort to understand each other's systems. The Marine Accidents Inquiry Agency's decision to stage the forum thus also reflected its commitment to furthering understanding within Asia. As a consequence, the content of the forum and participants questions were highly specialized as people sought to increase their understanding of procedures in other countries.
The second Asia Regional Meeting is scheduled for October 20 and 21, 1999, in Seoul. The Marine Accidents Inquiry Agency intends to dispatch representatives to the forum. In 2000, the Agency will assign new personnel to this effort and hopes to host the third Asia Regional Meeting.
Section 3 Future challenges
Technological advancements in recent years have enhanced the size and speed and spurred the modernization, specialization of vessels, significantly altering the nature of marine traffic in Japan. In addition, factors such as the rising number of foreign-registered vessels in Japanese waters and the growing popularity of marine sports, which has boosted the number of pleasure craft, have intensified traffic volume, increasing the diversity and complexity of marine accidents.
To respond effectively to such changes, the Marine Accidents Inquiry Agency recognizes the need to identify the causes of marine accidents promptly and accurately, thereby contributing to prevention of their recurrence. In particular, the Agency is stepping up efforts to facilitate the accurate identification of causes in cases involving serious marine accidents having considerable social impact by expanding and strengthening investigative procedures to ensure immediate and intensive investigation and examination of inquiries.
The Agency is also endeavoring to help Japan fulfill its responsibility as a maritime nation by reinforcing its structure and promoting participation in international standards conferences organized by the IMO, the hosting of international forums and other activities.
With the aim of reinforcing a practice of assigning two Japanese officers - captain and chief engineer - to Japanese vessels operating internationally, a section of the Law for Ship's Officers was revised to allow the creation of a system for qualifying non-Japanese seafarers holding certificate from a treaty power of the 1978/1995 International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to serve as officers. At the same time, a section of the Marine Accidents Inquiry Law was revised to permit rescinding of this qualification, in the judgment of the Marine Accidents Inquiry Agency in the event of a marine accident attributable to their intent or negligent professional conduct. These revisions went into effect in May 1999.
In light of the increasing availability and importance of information in recent years, the Marine Accidents Inquiry Agency is working to create a basic infrastructure for providing information on marine accident inquiries, in line with the Japanese government's Master Plan for Promoting Government-wide Use of Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport's Basic Plan for Promoting Administrative Informatization, with the aim of enhancing services to citizens and administrative efficiency.
