The failures in reporting represent breach of SOLAS as well as a number of other international maritime Conventions, ICS and ITF said. Under SOLAS regulation I/21, maritime administrations pledge to investigate casualties occurring under their flag, up to and including incidents defined as a “very serious marine casualty” involving deaths, total loss of the ship, or severe environmental damage.
“The lack of investigation and accident reports hinders the development of appropriate measures by IMO to address the cause of serious incidents in which seafarers may have lost their lives,” said ITF acting general secretary, Stephen Cotton.
“It also frustrates efforts by ship operators to learn from the reports and to amend or develop new procedures, or implement other measures to prevent or mitigate similar future incidents,” said ICS secretary general, Peter Hinchliffe.
ICS and ITF have therefore suggested that further consideration might be given by IMO to what constitutes “a very serious marine casualty” and the extent to which flag states should retain the latitude which they currently enjoy when determining whether the results of any investigation should be submitted to IMO. The shipping bodies hope that the issue will be discussed at IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee in June.
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