2 Objective
The objective of any marine casualty investigation is to prevent similar casualties in the future. Investigations identify the circumstances of the casualty under investigation and establish the causes and contributing factors, by gathering and analysing information and drawing conclusions. Ideally, it is not the purpose of such investigations to determine liability, or apportion blame. However, the investigating authority should not refrain from fully reporting the causes because fault or liability may be inferred from the findings.
3 Application
This Code applies, as far as national laws allow, to the investigation of marine casualties or incidents where either one or more interested States have a substantial interest in a marine casualty involving a ship under their jurisdiction.
4 Definitions
For the purpose of this Code:
4.1 Marine casualty means an event that has resulted in any of the following:
.1 the death of, or serious injury to, a person that is caused by, or in connection with, the operations of a ship; or
.2 the loss of a person from a ship that is caused by, or in connection with, the operations of a ship; or
.3 the loss, presumed loss or abandonment of a ship; or
.4 material damage to a ship; or
.5 the stranding or disabling of a ship, or the involvement of a ship in a collision; or
.6 material damage being caused by, or in connection with, the operation of a ship; or
.7 damage to the environment brought about by the damage of a ship or ships being caused by, or in connection with, the operations of a ship or ships.
4.2 Very serious casualty means a casualty to a ship which involves the total loss of the ship, loss of life or severe pollution.
4.3 Serious casualty means a casualty which does not qualify as a very serious casualty and which involves:
.1 a fire, explosion, grounding, contact, heavy weather damage, ice damage, hull cracking or suspected hull defect, etc., resulting in;
.2 structural damage rendering the ship unseaworthy, such as penetration of the hull underwater, immobilization of main engines, extensive accommodation damage etc.; or
.3 pollution (regardless of quantity); and/or
.4 a breakdown necessitating towage or shore assistance.
