Gard Guidance to Masters

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Gard Guidance Masters

3.11.5.2 EVIDENCE TO BE COLLECTED

Take photographs and video of the place where the deceased was found<

mark photographs and video with the time and date

if no cameras are available, make drawings and sketches depicting the location/position in which the deceased was found as well as other matters of importance

evidence such as wires, shackles and tools which may have caused the death should be collected as evidence, marked, labelled and retained in a safe place. These items should not be tampered with or disposed of.

Further evidence includes

name, gender and duties of the deceased

date and exact vessel’s time the death occurred

position/location of the vessel

prevailing weather conditions (keep any weather records)

any sudden movements of the vessel

light conditions, e.g. daylight, darkness, artificial light

exact location where the deceased was found

conditions of surrounding area, e.g. dry, wet, slippery, icy

work or activity the deceased was engaged in

time the work or activity was commenced by the deceased

STCW records of working and rest hours of the deceased if a crew member

was the work authorised under the permit-to-work system

was protective gear worn at the time of death

names, ranks, duties and other details of any witnesses

details must be recorded of the hospital or doctor who attended the deceased ashore

information about the general physical condition of the deceased

medical treatment given to the deceased before death and by whom

indications of fatigue

record of the working hours of the deceased before death

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 death so as to prevent further deaths rather than to apportion any blame.

3.11.5.2 Evidence to be collected