The guidelines deal with what can practically be carried out on a vessel to preserve or collect evidence prior to the involvement of law enforcement bodies, as well as pastoral and medical care of victims.
The IMO stressed, however, that the master cannot be expected to act as a law enforcement official or be held criminally liable for the mishandling of evidence.
Appendix 1 includes suggested formats for Victim Statement; Alleged Perpetrator Statement; and Independent Witness Statement.
Appendix 2 includes guidance derived from MSC.1/Circ.1404 (Guidelines to assist in the investigation of the crimes of piracy and armed robbery against ships), including guidelines on recovery and packaging of evidence.
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