What are the duties and powers of the Maritime Accident Investigation Team?

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As stipulated, the Maritime Accident Investigation Team is established by the decision of the Director of the Maritime Administration. Members of the Maritime Accident Investigation Team must meet the following conditions: be captains, chief engineers, or engineers in the fields of marine navigation, marine engine operation, marine engine exploitation, shipbuilding, marine electronics and automation, maritime law, or equivalent professions; have a minimum of 5 years of practical experience in the studied profession and have undergone training courses on maritime accident investigation.

Circular 01/2020/TT-BGTVT stipulates that the Maritime Accident Investigation Team has the following duties and powers:

- Formulate an investigation plan, estimate the investigation budget for carrying out the maritime accident investigation as per the specifications of this Circular and other relevant legal provisions. The investigation plan must be approved by the Director of the Maritime Administration. Report in writing on the investigation process and the results of the maritime accident investigation to the Director of the Maritime Administration who established the Maritime Accident Investigation Team.

- Notify in writing to the captain or the highest responsible person on the ship, the shipowner, and the ship's agent about the conduct of the maritime accident investigation.

- Request parties related to the maritime accident to take measures to preserve the scene and protect relevant evidence as required by the maritime accident investigation.

- Request individuals related to the maritime accident to provide a written account of what they know about the conditions, circumstances, and developments of the maritime accident and the objects involved. In necessary cases where interrogation is required, they must be informed in advance about the time and place of the interrogation.

- Request the captain, and relevant responsible persons to provide copies of the ship's logbooks, navigation charts of the area where the accident occurred, and other necessary documents related to the ship and its equipment.

- Request classification and technical supervision organizations, shipowners, ship’s agents, maritime information organizations, search and rescue coordination centers, ship traffic monitoring system operating centers, maritime safety assurance, marine pilots, and other relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals to provide necessary information to support the maritime accident investigation.

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More details can be found in Circular 01/2020/TT-BGTVT which came into effect from March 15, 2020.

Thu Ba

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