Table of contents
3.1.8 SECURING EVIDENCE
Claims will usually follow as a consequence of an accident or incident. Repairs to the vessel or machinery may need to be carried out. It is very important to collect the best possible evidence of the
|
Even insignificant items can be of fundamental importance. Evidence can be
collected by
• retaining all relevant paper documentation and electronic data
• taking photographs and video and labelling them with details of
– the date and time taken
– the persons involved
– the property damaged
– the area concerned
• retaining damaged equipment or parts – keep these in an appropriate
place to avoid deterioration or corrosion and locked to prevent unauthorised
access
• retaining cargo samples – to avoid deterioration, keep these
in appropriate containers or bottles – please also see section 2.12.2.9
Cargo sampling dry bulk cargoes
• noting the names, addresses and contact details of any eye witnesses
• taking statements from any eye witnesses
• filing sea protests and letters of protest
• arranging for a survey through the correspondent.
When retaining physical evidence, the Master should personally take the responsibility
of properly labelling and preserving such items, and ensuring they are not
thrown away.
The Master should ensure that a digital camera, with fully charged batteries ready for use, is always available on the bridge and/or in the vessel’s office, to take photographic evidence as described above.