3.11.1.3 Evidence to be collected

3.11.1.3 EVIDENCE TO BE COLLECTED

Leave the area untouched until photographs and video have been taken as evidence

• mark the photographs and videos with the date and time they were taken
• if no cameras are available, make drawings and sketches depicting the location and position in which the person was found, together with any other matters which may be of importance
• recordings of all radio messages exchanged.

Further evidence includes

• name, gender and duties of the injured person
• date and exact vessel's time when the accident occurred, local and UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time)
• position/location of the vessel
• prevailing weather conditions (keep any weather records)
• any sudden movements of the vessel
• light conditions at the time of the accident, e.g. daylight, darkness, artificial light
• exact location on the vessel where the accident occurred
• conditions of the surrounding area, e.g. dry, wet, slippery, icy
• work or activity the injured person was engaged in
• time the work or activity was commenced by the injured
• STCW records of working and rest hours of injured
• was the work authorised under the permit-to-work system
• was protective gear worn at the time of the accident
• names, ranks, duties and other details of any witnesses
• details of the hospital or doctor who treated the injured person ashore
• provide information on the general physical condition of the injured
• medical treatment given and by whom
• indications of fatigue
• records of the resting and working hours of the injured person before the accident
• indications of intoxication or drug abuse
• detailed and complete eye witness statements should be taken immediately
• the Master should make it clear to any witnesses that the purpose of the statements is to ascertain the cause of the accident so as to prevent further accidents rather than to apportion any blame.