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.