E

INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR

Telephone: 020-7735 7611

Fax: 020-7587 3210
Telex: 23588 IMOLDN G IMO

MSC/Circ.953
MEPC/Circ.372
14 December 2000
Ref. T1/2.02
T5/1.11(e)

REPORTS ON MARINE CASUALTIES AND INCIDENTS

Revised harmonized reporting procedures - Reports required under

SOLAS regulation I/21 and MARPOL 73/78 articles 8 and 12

1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-eighth session (28 May to 6 June 1997) and the
Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its fortieth session (18 to 25 September 1997) approved an
MSC/MEPC circular (MSC/Circ.827 - MEPC/Circ.333) on Reports on marine casualties and incidents -
Harmonized reporting procedures, amalgamating and harmonizing the procedures for reporting casualties
to the Organization contained in existing MSC and MEPC circulars.

2 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its seventy-second session (17 May to 26 May 2000) and the
Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its forty-fourth and forty-fifth sessions (6 to 8, 10 and
13 March 2000 and 2 to 6 October 2000 respectively) approved amendments to MSC/Circ.827 -
MEPC/Circ.333.

3 Under SOLAS regulation I/21 and MARPOL 73/78 articles 8 and 12, each Administration
undertakes to conduct an investigation into any casualty occurring to ships under its flag subject to those
conventions and to supply the Organization with pertinent information concerning the findings of such
investigations.

4 The reporting formats contained in the annexes to this circular replace the reporting forms
contained in MSC 59/33, Annex 3 regarding Damage cards, MSC/Circ.224 regarding Intact stability
casualty records, , MSC/Circ.388 on Fire casualty records, MSC/Circ.433 on Reports on investigations
into serious casualties, MSC/Circ.559 on Incidents involving dangerous goods or marine pollutants in
packaged form, MSC/Circ.621 on Guidelines for the investigation of accidents where fatigue may have
been a contributing factor and COM/Circ.70/Rev.1 Questionnaire on the maritime distress system. The
reporting format on Incidental spillages of harmful substances of 50 tonnes or more has been added, as
such reports are considered necessary when investigating a casualty or an incident (MARPOL 73/78,
articles 8 and 12); however, this does not replace the one-line entry report required by the annual
mandatory report under MARPOL 73/78, article 11 (MEPC/Circ.318, Part 1).

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5 For the purpose of reporting information to the Organization, ship casualties are classified as
"very serious casualties", "serious casualties", "less serious casualties" and "marine incidents".
Administrations are requested to submit data for all "very serious casualties" and "serious casualties"*.

Where there are important lessons to be learned from "serious casualties", "less serious casualties" and
"marine incidents", full investigation reports should be submitted along with the additional information
indicated in annex 3.

________________

* "Very serious casualties" are casualties to ships which involve total loss of the ship, loss of life, or
severe pollution, the definition of which, as agreed by the Marine Environment Protection Committee at
its thirty-seventh session (MEPC 37/22, paragraph 5.8), is as follows:

"Severe pollution" is a case of pollution which, as evaluated by the coastal State(s) affected or the
flag State, as appropriate, produces a major deleterious effect upon the environment, or which
would have produced such an effect without preventive action.

"Serious casualties" are casualties to ships which do not qualify as "very serious casualties" and
which involve a fire, explosion, collision, grounding, contact, heavy weather damage, ice damage, hull
cracking, or suspected hull defect, etc., resulting in:

- immobilization of main engines, extensive accommodation damage, severe structural

damage, such as penetration of the hull under water, etc., rendering the ship unfit to
proceed∗, or

- pollution (regardless of quantity); and/or

- a breakdown necessitating towage or shore assistance.

"Less serious casualties" are casualties to ships which do not qualify as "very serious casualties"
or "serious casualties" and for the purpose of recording useful information also include "marine incidents"
which themselves include “hazardous incidents” and “near misses”.

∗ The ship is in a condition, which does not correspond substantially with the applicable conventions, presenting a
danger to the ship and the persons on board or an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

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6 Administrations are urged to submit data as indicated below.

Information to be submitted per casualty class

Information to Very serious Serious casualties Less serious Marine incidents

be sent in casualties casualties
accordance with
the type of
casualty
Annex 1 of the To be provided To be provided May be provided May be provided if
attached within 6 months within 6 months if there are there are
reporting format after the casualty after the casualty important lessons important lessons
in all cases in all cases to be learned to be learned

Annexes 2 and 3 To be provided at To be provided at May be provided May be provided

of the attached the end of the the end of the if there are if there are
reported format, investigation in all investigation in all important lessons important lessons
as well as other cases cases to be learned to be learned
relevant annexes

Full investigation To be provided at May be provided if May be provided if May be provided if

report the end of the there are there are there are
investigation in all important lessons important lessons important lessons
cases to be learned to be learned to be learned

Very serious casualty

preliminary information as indicated in Annex 1*

information as indicated in Annexes 2 and 3, as well as other relevant annexes

a full investigation report in all cases

Serious casualty

preliminary information as indicated in Annex 1*

information as indicated in Annexes 2 and 3, as well as other relevant annexes

a full investigation report only in cases of important lessons to be learnt regarding IMO regulations

Less serious casualty and marine incident

information as indicated in Annexes 1, 2 and 3, as well as other relevant annexes, only in cases of
important lessons to be learnt regarding IMO regulations

a full investigation report only in cases of important lessons to be learnt regarding IMO regulations

_____________
* To be submitted within six months of the casualty date unless complete information is submitted within this time limit.

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Information to be submitted for casualties/incidents as indicated below.

Information from casualties involving dangerous

goods on marine pollutants in packaged form on
board ships and in port areas. → Annex 4

Damage cards and intact stability records → Annex 5

Fire casualty record → Annex 6

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) → Annex 7

Fatigue as a contributory cause to maritime → Annex 8

accidents - Fatigue factors data compilation sheet

Incidental spillage of liquids of 50 tonnes or more → Annex 9

7 Member Governments are invited to give effect to the Code for the Investigation of Marine
Casualties and Incidents, as amended, (resolutions A.849(20) and A.884(21)) when conducting
investigations into marine casualties and incidents.

8 Member Governments are requested to use the present circular when reporting on marine
casualties and incidents.

9 The present circular supersedes MSC/Circ.827 - MEPC/Circ.333.

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List of Annexes

ANNEX 1: SHIP IDENTIFICATION AND PARTICULARS

Indicates the information to be submitted in all casualty reports.

ANNEX 2: DATA FOR VERY SERIOUS AND SERIOUS CASUALTIES

Indicates information to be supplied on “very serious” and “serious” casualties.

ANNEX 3: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ON VERY SERIOUS CASUALTIES AND

SERIOUS CASUALTIES
Additional information required for “very serious casualties” and “serious” casualties.

ANNEX 4: INFORMATION FROM CASUALTIES INVOLVING DANGEROUS GOODS OR

MARINE POLLUTANTS IN PACKAGED FORM ON BOARD SHIPS AND IN PORT
AREAS
This form may be applicable for marine casualties as defined as well as marine incidents.

ANNEX 5: DAMAGE CARDS AND INTACT STABILITY CASUALTY RECORDS

This form may apply to “very serious” and “serious” casualties.

ANNEX 6: FIRE CASUALTY RECORD

This form may apply to “very serious” and “serious” casualties.

ANNEX 7: QUESTIONNAIRE RELATED TO THE GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND

SAFETY SYSTEM
This form may apply to “very serious” and “serious” casualties.

ANNEX 8: FATIGUE AS A CONTRIBUTORY CAUSE TO MARITIME ACCIDENTS -

FATIGUE FACTORS DATA COMPILATION SHEET
This form will apply where fatigue is deemed to be a contributory factor in the casualty.

ANNEX 9: INCIDENTAL SPILLAGE OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES OF 50 TONNES OR MORE

This form relates to incidents involving harmful substances. The report is considered
necessary when investigating a casualty or an incident (MARPOL 73/78, articles 8 and
12), however this does not replace the one-line entry report required by the annual
mandatory report under MARPOL 73/78, article 11 (MEPC/Circ.318, Part 1).

***

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ANNEX 1

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

SHIP IDENTIFICATION AND PARTICULARS

Administrations are urged to supply the ship identification information listed in this annex for all marine
casualty reports submitted to the Organization.

SHIP PARTICULARS

1. IMO Number:

2. Name of Ship:

3. Flag State:

4. Type of Ship

.1 Liquefied Gas Tanker

.2 Chemical Tanker

.3 Oil Tanker

.4 Other Liquids (non-flammable) Tanker

.5 Bulk Dry (general, ore) Carrier

.6 Bulk Dry / Oil Carrier

.7 Self-Discharging Bulk Dry Carrier

.8 Other Bulk Dry (cement, woodchips, urea and other specialized) Carrier

.9 General Cargo Ship

.10 Passenger / General Cargo Ship

.11 Container Ship

.12 Refrigerated Cargo Ship

.13 Ro-Ro Cargo Ship

.14 Passenger / Ro-Ro Cargo Ship

.15 Passenger Ship

.16 High Speed Craft

.17 Other Dry Cargo (livestock, barge, heavy cargo, etc.) Carrier

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.18 Fish Catching Vessel

.19 Fish Factory Ship / Fish Carrier

.20 Offshore Supply Ship

.21 Other Offshore Ship

.22 Research Ship

.23 Towing / Pushing Tug

.24 Dredger

.25 Other Activities Ship

.26 Non-Propelled Ships

.27 Other Ships Structures

5. Gross Tonnage:

6. Length overall:

7. Classification Society:

8. Registered Shipowner:

9. Ship Manager/Operator:

10. Previous names:

11. Previous Flag:

12. Previous Class Society:

13. Date of contract/keel laid/delivery:

14. Date of major conversion:

15. Deadweight:

16. Hull material

.1 steel

.2 light alloy

.3 ferrocement

.4 wood

.5 GRP

.6 composite materials

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17. Hull construction

.1 single hull

.2 double hull

.3 double bottom

.4 double sides

.5 mid deck

.6 other

18. Building yard:

19. Hull number:

20. Date of total loss/constructive total loss/scrapping:

21. Number of crew:

22. Number of passengers:

PRELIMINARY CASUALTY DATA

1. Date and time (local onboard):

2. Position/ location:

3. Initial event1

collision

stranding/ grounding

contact

fire or explosion

hull failure/ failure of watertight doors/ports, etc.

machinery damage

damages to ship or equipment

capsizing/ listing

missing: assumed lost

other

1
For an explanation of the terms below see annex 2

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4. Consequences

total loss of the ship

ship rendered unfit to proceed∗

ship remains fit to proceed**

pollution

loss of life

serious injuries

5. Summary of events

***

∗ The ship is in a condition, which does not correspond substantially with the applicable conventions, presenting a danger
to the ship and the persons on board or an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

**The ship is in a condition, which corresponds substantially with the applicable conventions, presenting neither a
danger to the ship and the persons on board nor an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

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ANNEX 2

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

DATA FOR VERY SERIOUS AND SERIOUS CASUALTIES

CASUALTY DATA

1 Date and local time of casualty: (24 hr clock) (YYMMDD)

2 Position of casualty (Latitude, Longitude):

3 Location of casualty:

3.1 At berth

3.2 Anchorage

3.3 Port

3.4 Port approach

3.5 Inland waters

3.6 Canal

3.7 River

3.8 Archipelagos

3.9 Coastal waters (within 12 miles)

3.10 Open sea

4 Pilot on board

5 Type of casualty (initial event):

5.1 Collision: striking or being struck by another ship (regardless

of whether under way, anchored or moored).

5.1.1 IMO Number of other ship involved. (not coded)

5.1.2 Name of other ship involved. (not coded)

5.2 Stranding or grounding: being aground, or hitting/touching shore

or sea bottom or underwater objects (wrecks, etc.).

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5.3 Contact: striking any fixed or floating object other than those

included in Nos. 1 or 2.

5.4 Fire or explosion.

5.5 Hull failure or failure of watertight doors, ports, etc.: not caused
by Nos. 1 to 4.

5.6 Machinery damage: not caused by Nos. 1 to 5, and which necessitated
towage or shore assistance.

5.7 Damages to ship or equipment: not caused or covered by Nos. 1 to 6.

5.8 Capsizing or listing: not caused by Nos. 1 to 7.

5.9 Missing: assumed lost.

5.10 Other: all casualties which are not covered by Nos. 1 to 9.

6 Type of subsequent events

6.1 Collision: striking or being struck by another ship (regardless

of whether under way, anchored or moored).

6.1.1 IMO Number of other ship involved. (not coded)
6.1.2 Name of other ship involved. (not coded)

6.2 Stranding or grounding: being aground, or hitting/touching

shore or sea bottom or underwater objects (wrecks, etc.).

6.3 Contact: striking any fixed or floating object other than those
included in Nos. 1 or 2.

6.4 Fire or explosion.

6.5 Hull failure or failure of watertight doors, ports, etc.

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6.6 Machinery damage which necessitated towage

or shore assistance.

6.7 Damages to ship or equipment.

6.8 Capsizing or listing.

6.9 Missing: assumed lost.

6.10 Other: all events which are not covered by Nos. 1 to 9.

7 Consequences of the casualty

7.1 Consequences to the ship involved in the casualty:

7.1.1 Total loss

7.1.2 Ship rendered unfit to proceed∗

7.1.3 Ship remains fit to proceed**

7.2 Consequences related to human beings:

7.2.1 Number of dead or missing crew _______

7.2.2 Number of dead or missing passengers _______

7.2.3 Number of other dead or missing persons _______

7.2.4 Number of crew being seriously∗∗∗ injured in the casualty _______

7.2.5 Number of passengers being seriously∗∗∗ injured in

the casualty _______

7.2.6 Number of other persons being seriously∗∗∗ injured in the

casualty _______

∗ The ship is in a condition, which does not correspond substantially with the applicable conventions, presenting a danger
to the ship and the persons on board or an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

**The ship is in a condition, which corresponds substantially with the applicable conventions, presenting neither a danger
to the ship and the persons on board nor an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

∗∗∗ incapacitated for 72 hours or more

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7.3 Consequences to the environment (pollution):

7.3.1 Oil in bunkers

7.3.1.1 Type of oil Quantity spilled

Heavy fuel _______

Diesel _______

Lube oils _______

Other _______

7.3.2 Oil cargo

7.3.2.1 Type of oil (not coded) Quantity spilled

Crude oil _______

Persistent refined oil products _______

Non-persistent refined oil _______

products

Others _______

7.3.3 Chemicals in bulk

Category (Appendix I to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78)

Quantity in tons spilled

A _______

B _______

C _______

D _______

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7.3.4 Dangerous Goods in packaged form

Class (IMDG Code) Names UN numbers Quantity lost overboard
1
______ ______ ______

2
______ ______ ______

3
______ ______ ______

4.1
______ ______ ______

4.2
______ ______ ______

4.3
______ ______ ______

5.1
______ ______ ______

5.2
______ ______ ______

6.1
______ ______ ______

6.2
______ ______ ______

7
______ ______ ______

8
______ ______ ______

9
______ ______ ______

8 Primary causes of the initial event

Coding principle:

a The human element is a complex multi-dimensional issue that affects maritime safety and marine
environmental protection. It involves the entire spectrum of human activities performed by ships'
crews, shore based management, regulatory bodies, classification societies, shipyards, legislators
and other relevant parties.

b Effective remedial action following maritime casualties requires a sound understanding of the
human element involvement in accident causation. This comes by the thorough investigation and
systematic analysis of casualties for contributory factors and the causal chain of events.

8.1 Internal causes (related to the ship where the casualty occurred)

8.1.1 Human violations or errors by the crew:

.1 Human violations

.2 Human error

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8.1.2 Human violations or errors by the pilot

.1 Human violations

.2 Human error

8.1.3 Structural failures of the ship

8.1.4 Technical failure of machinery/equipment including design errors

.1 Failure of propulsion machinery

.2 Failure of essential auxiliary machinery

.3 Failure of steering gear

.4 Failure of closing arrangements or seals

.5 Failure or inadequacy of navigational equipment

.6 Failure of bilge pumping

.7 Failure of electrical installation

.8 Failure or inadequacy of communication equipment

.9 Failure or inadequacy of lifesaving appliances

.10 Ship design errors (i.e. insufficient stability)

.11 Other

8.1.5 The ship's cargo

.1 Cargo shifting

.2 Fire or explosion in cargo

.3 Improper stowage of cargo

.4 Spontaneous combustion

.5 Cargo liquefaction

.6 Other

8.2 External causes (outside the ship)

8.2.1 Another ship or ships (improper actions, etc.)

8.2.2 The environment

.1 Heavy sea

.2 Wind

.3 Currents or tides

.4 Icing

.5 Ice conditions

.6 Restricted visibility

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8.2.3 Navigational infrastructure

.1 Failures in aids to navigation

.2 Inaccurate charts or nautical publications

.3 Charts or nautical publications unavailable for the sea

.4 VTS

8.2.4 Criminal acts

8.2.5 Other "external" causes (i.e. not associated with the ship itself)

.1 Tug boat operations

.2 Failure or incorrect operation of shore equipment or installation

.3 Other than .1 and .2

8.3 Unknown causes

9 Violations and error types

9.1 Violation (deliberate decision to act against a rule or plan)

9.1.1 Routine (cutting corners, taking path of least effort, etc...)

9.1.2 Necessary (due to inadequate tools or equipment, improper
procedures or regulations)

9.1.3 "For kicks" (thrill seeking, to alleviate boredom, macho behaviour)

9.1.4 Exceptional (taking risks to help people in distress, lack of system
knowledge)

9.2 Slip (unintentional action where failure involves attention)

9.2.1 Incorrect operation of controls or equipment

9.2.2 Left/Right, reversal

9.2.3 Failure to report due to distraction

9.2.4 Other

9.3 Lapse (unintentional action where failure involves memory)

9.3.1 Forgetting to report information

9.3.2 Failure to advise Officer on the Watch

9.3.3 Other

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9.4 Mistake (an intentional action where there is an error in the

planning process; there is no deliberate decision to act against
a rule or procedure)

9.4.1 Error in judgement

9.4.2 Inappropriate choice of route

9.4.3 Deciding not to pass on information

9.4.4 Failure to respond appropriately

9.4.5 Other

10 Underlying factors

10.1 Liveware

10.1.1 Physiological

.1 Fatigue

.2 Stress

.3 Alcohol/illegal drug

.4 Prescription medicine

10.1.2 Psychological

.1 Excessive workload

.2 Communication

.3 Standards of personal competence

.4 Lack of familiarity or training

.5 Panic and fear

.6 Boredom

.7 Mental and emotional disorders

10.1.3 Physical

.1 Hearing problem

.2 Visual problem

.3 Injuries and illness

.4 Less than adequate medical fitness

10.1.4 Others

10.2 Hardware

10.2.1 Equipment not available

10.2.2 Ergonomics

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10.2.3 Design failures (other than ergonomics)

10.2.4 Maintenance and repair

10.2.5 Other

10.3 Software

10.3.1 Company policy and standing orders

10.3.2 Less than adequate operating procedures and instruction

10.3.3 Management and supervision

10.3.4 Other

10.4 Environment

10.4.1 Ship movement/Weather effects

10.4.2 Noise

10.4.3 Vibration

10.4.4 Temperature/Humidity

10.4.5 Less than adequate manning

10.4.6 Other

***

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ANNEX 3

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ON VERY SERIOUS AND SERIOUS CASUALTIES

To assist completion of marine casualty analysis, in addition to the information in annexes 1 and 2, the
following information is required:

1. Principle findings and form of casualty investigation:

2. Action taken:

3. Findings affecting international regulations:

4. Assistance given (SAR operations):

***

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ANNEX 4

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

INFORMATION FROM CASUALTIES INVOLVING DANGEROUS GOODS OR

MARINE POLLUTANTS IN PACKAGED FORM
ON BOARD SHIPS AND IN PORT AREAS

This report is a supplement to the report made by the master in accordance with guidelines and
general principles adopted by the Organization by resolution A.648(16) in case of an incident involving
dangerous goods and marine pollutants in packaged form on board ships and in port areas.

The information should be provided in case of:

- an accident with loss of life, injury or damage to ship

or property; or

- an accident, where an unsafe situation, an emergency or

loss has occurred involving dangerous goods in packaged
form and marine pollutants.

The information should be provided by the Administration carrying out the investigation, if
necessary in consultation with other parties involved (e.g. authorities of ports of loading, transit or
discharge, etc.) and forwarded to the International Maritime Organization together with recommendations,
if considered necessary, for rectifying any detected deficiencies.

The summary and recommendations of any subsequent investigations should also be reported to
the Organization.

INFORMATION FROM INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING

DANGEROUS GOODS OR MARINE POLLUTANTS IN PACKAGED FORM

1. Cargo(es) Involved

1.1 Name: UN Number: IMO Hazard Class1:

1.2 Name and address of manufacturer, or consignor, or consignee:

1.3 Type of packaging/container:

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1.4 Quantity and condition of goods:

1.5 Stowage/Securing arrangements:

2. Pollution - goods lost overboard (yes/no):

If yes:

2.1 Quantity of goods lost:

2.2 Lost goods floated or sank:

2.3 Lost goods released from packaging (yes/no):

3. Brief account of the sequence of events1:

4. Extent of damage1:

5. Emergency response measures taken:

6. Comments on compliance with applicable convention/recommendation requirements:

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7. Comments on effectiveness of applicable convention/recommendation requirements:

8. Measures/recommendations to prevent recurrence:

1
9. Further investigation (yes/no) :

***

Note

1 Data should be provided only if not supplied otherwise.

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ANNEX 5

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

∗ AND INTACT STABILITY CASUALTY RECORDS

DAMAGE CARDS∗

Statistics of damaged ships and of intact stability casualties are important to the work of the
Organization in respect to improvement of subdivision and intact stability criteria in various conventions,
codes, recommendations, and guidelines. Member Governments are invited to continue to submit to the
Secretariat damage data and intact stability casualty data using the format in this annex.

Note
∗ The Secretariat, while incorporating amendments to the cover and to annexes 1 and 2 of the present circular, also
included the amendments to MSC/Circ.224, which were approved by the Maritime Safety Committee at its fifty-ninth
session (MSC 59/33, annex 3).

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DAMAGE CARDS
Damaged Ship

Length between perpendiculars* L=________

Moulded breadth* B =________ Moulded depth*D =________
Height of subdivision deck = ___________
Draught before damage: amidships d =________ (or fore =________and aft =________)
Struck/stricking______________________

Bulkhead (or freeboard) deck

Dimensions and location of damage (see sketch above)

Distance from AP to centre of damage* X =________
Distance from baseline to the lower point of damage Z =________
Length of damage* l = ________ l1 =________
Height of damage* h = ________ h1 =________
Area =
Penetration of damage* b =________ b1 =________
(if damage extends above bulkhead (or freeboard) deck, additional dimensions should be given for
the part located below this deck, these being marked with suffix "1")

Dimensions and location of bottom damage

Distance from AP to centre of damage* X =________
Distance from CL to centre of damage =________ Port or starboard?________
Length of damage l =_____ Width of damage =________ Area =
Depth of damage d =______

Second ship involved in collision (to be completed in case of collision between two ships).
Length between perpendiculars*L =________
Moulded breadth* B =________ Moulded depth* D =________
Draught before damage: amidships d =________ (or fore =________and aft =________)
Struck/stricking______________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES FOR DAMAGE CARD
1. Damage cards should be completed for decked, steel sea-going ships 25 m. in length and over, for all breaches of
the hull causing flooding of any compartments (collision, stranding, etc.)
2. The term "damaged ship" refers to the ship for which this card is being completed.
3. A sketch showing location of damage and of main transverse bulkheads would be desirable.
4. Depth D should be measured to the bulkhead deck in passenger ships and to the freeboard deck in non-passenger
ships (or to uppermost completed deck, if bulkhead or freeboard deck are not specified.
5. In case of collision with another ship, it is desirable to fill in damage cards for both ships.
6. All measurements should be given in metres.
7. Data marked with an asterisk (*) are the most important.

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Additional data to be supplied if available

1. Wind and sea (Beaufort scale) at time of casualty __________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Speed at time of impact, in knots:
Damaged ship v1_______________
Second ship v2_______________
3. Angle of encounter _______________
4. Did the ship to which this card refers sink?_____________________________________________
If not, give draught after damage____________________________________________________
If so, indicate time taken to sink after collision_______________and manner of sinking________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. Appropriation of breached compartment(s) (e.g. machinery room, cargo hold, etc.)____________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Type and quantity of cargo in damaged compartment, if any_______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
7. Were there any special circumstances which influenced the results of damage (e.g. open watertight
doors, manholes, sidescuttles, or pipes, fractures, etc.)?_________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8. Position of watertight bulkheads in vicinity of damage (distance from AP to each of them)________
_____________________________________________________________________________
9. Was a transverse subdivision bulkhead damaged?________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
10. Was the collision bulkhead damaged?_______________________________________________
11. Number of compartments flooded___________________________________________________
12. Was there a double bottom in the damaged area?_______________________________________
If so, indicate whether the inner bottom was breached____________________________________
13. Was there a separate penetration from the bulbous bow?___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
14. Any additional information considered useful (details of construction, etc.)
_______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
17. Striking ship bow geometry X1 =____________X2 =____________ X3=____________
Y1 =____________Y2 =____________
_______________________________________________________________________________

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ANNEX 5
Page 4

INTACT STABILITY CASUALTY RECORD

Length between perpendiculars* Lpp = __________

Breadth moulded* B = ______________ Depth moulded* D = _________________
Draught amidships to assigned loadline or subdivision line d________(or forward_____and aft_____)
Service conditions (light or loaded, with approximate percentage of cargo, stores, fuel and passengers)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Type of cargo, if any___________Disposition____________stowage factor_____________________
Deck cargo, if any_________________type_________________quantity_______________________
Quantity of ballast water, if any________________________________________________________
Sea and wind conditions at time of casualty: sea*_____________wind* (Beaufort scale)___________
Wind velocity u __________________ Wind pressure pv _______________________
Wave length __________________ Wave height hw _______________________
Direction of wind relative to ships head ______________________________(degrees)
Direction of waves relative to ships head ______________________________(degrees)
Speed of ship at time of casualty V _____________knots
Name, length and height of enclosed superstructures and deck-houses above the deck to which D was
measured _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Bilge keels: Width(o)__________________ Longitudinal extent(o)_________________________
(o)
Depth of bar keel, if any _____________________________________________________________
Was water trapped on deck?____________ if so, indicate the extent _________________________
Were all vulnerable openings effectively closed at time of casualty? ___________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Was icing a contributory factor to casualty? ______________________________________________
Was the vessel under action of helm at time of casualty? ____________________________________
Were any special instructions relative to this ship in existence, concerning the maintenance of stability,
e.g. filling tanks, etc.?_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Were any voyage limits and/or weather restrictions imposed for the vessel? ____________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Were any particular circumstances related to the casualty? __________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Give short description of casualty1 _____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Note
1 Data should be provided only if not provided otherwise.

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ANNEX 5
Page 5

For ship in fully loaded

For ship in
homogenous arrival
General Particulars condition at
condition (with 10%
time of loss
stores, fuel, etc.)
Draught (amidships) d
Displacement* ∆
Centre of gravity above moulded base line* KG
Metacentric height (uncorrected)* GM
Distance between the transverse metacentre and centre of BM
buoyancy
Reduction in GM due to any free surface of liquids*
Block coefficient of fineness of displacement* δ
Coefficient of fineness of midship section β
Coefficient of fineness of waterplane α
Height of centre of buoyancy above moulded base line KB
Lateral area of ships profile (including erections, etc.) exposed Av
to wind
Distance between centre of lateral area of ships profile exposed
to wind and corresponding waterline
Estimated rolling period (P-S-P) (in seconds) (o) Tr
Rated amplitude of roll (maximum) θr
Angle of heel for immersion of uppermost continuous deck
Righting levers (GZ) based upon centre of gravity (G)
corrected for any free surfaces, for the following angles of
heel:*
0o
10o
20o
30o
40o
50o
60o
70o
80o
90o
Maximum righting lever GZm
Angle of maximum stability θm
Angle of vanishing stability θv
Lightship Displacement ∆0 = Centre of gravity above moulded base line KG0 =
NOTES FOR INTACT STABILITY CASUALTY RECORD
1. Casualty records to be completed for all sea- 2. Depth D should be measured to the bulkhead deck in passenger ships and to
going passenger ships, sea-going cargo ships of the freeboard deck in non-passenger ships (or to uppermost completed
25 meters in length and over, and sea-going deck, if bulkhead or freeboard deck is not specified.)
fishing vessels of 15 meters in length and over, 3. The metric system should be used for all measurements.
in respect of both losses of ships and cases in 4. Data marked with an asterisk (*) are the most important.
which dangerous heeling occurred due to 5. The provision of data marked (o) is optional.
unsatisfactory intact stability, including those 6. It is desirable to attach a sketch of statical stability curves, drawn for both
cases where loss or heeling of the ship was due the below loading conditions, using the following scales:
to shifting of cargo. (i) 20 mm for every 10o angle of inclination.
(ii) 10 mm (or 20 mm) for every 0.1 meter of righting lever.

***
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 MSC/Circ.953
MEPC/Circ.372

ANNEX 6

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

FIRE CASUALTY RECORD

Administrations are urged to supply the additional information listed in this annex for all casualties
involving vessel fires.

1. Were any voyage limits placed on the ship?2:

2. Propelling machinery (type, fuel, etc.):

3. Nature of cargo:

4. Location of ship1

.1 Was the ship underway or in port?:

.2 If in port, specify the condition (loading, unloading, under repair, or others):

5. Local conditions¹

.1 Time (Daylight or darkness):

.2 Wind force (Beaufort scale):

.3 State of sea (and code used):

6. Part of ship where fire broke out2:

7. Probable cause of fire2:

8. Probable origin of flammable liquids, if applicable:

9. Description of damage1,2:

10. No. of persons on board¹

.1 Passengers:

.2 Crew:

Notes
1
Data should be provided only if not provided otherwise.
2
Data should be given as precisely as possible.

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ANNEX 6
Page 2

11. Structural fire protection (briefly describe fire resisting and fire retarding bulkheads, doors, decks,
etc., through the whole of the area affected by fire):

12. Fire detection method at site of fire

.1 Automatic:

.2 Others2:

13. Fixed fire-extinguishing installations

.1 At site of fire:

.2 Adjacent areas:

14. Ship's fire-extinguishing equipment used (foam, dry chemical, CO2, water, steam. etc.)

.1 Fixed2:

.2 Portable2:

15. Effectiveness of action taken by crew to extinguish fire:

16. Outside assistance given and equipment used (e.g. fire department, other ship, etc.)1:

17. Time taken to fight fire

.1 To control:

.2 To extinguish:

18. Observations1:

19. Classification (see classification scheme appended to this annex):

Notes
1
Data should be provided only if not provided otherwise.
2
Data should be given as precisely as possible.

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ANNEX 6
Page 3

APPENDIX A

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR FIRE CASUALTY RECORDS

This classification system should be used when entering the “Classification” of fire casualty records
(paragraph 19 of annex 6). For the purpose of correct usage of the classification system the Guidance for
preparing the casualty classification is attached at appendix B. The numbering has been kept in
consistence with the numbering in MSC/Circ.388.

3 Service
.1 International
.2 Short international
.3 Coastal sea trade
.4 Inland waters
.5 Not reported

4 Condition
.1 Underway
.2 In port - Loading
.3 In port - Unloading
.4 In port - Awaiting departure
.5 In port - Other
.6 Under repair
.7 Others
.8 Not reported

5 Time at which fire was discovered

.1 Midnight to 0559
.2 0600 to 1159
.3 1200 to 1759
.4 1800 to 2359
.5 Not reported

6 Duration of fire
.1 Extinguished within 1 minute
.2 1 - 5 minutes
.3 6 - 10 minutes
.4 11 - 30 minutes
.5 31 - 60 minutes
.6 1 - 6 hours
.7 More than 6 hours
.8 Not reported

7 Position of outbreak
.1 Accommodations
.2 Cargo spaces
.3 Machinery space of category A
.4 Machinery space other than of category A

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ANNEX 6
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.5 Galley
.6 Cargo pump room
.7 Service space
.8 Other spaces
.9 Not reported

8 Combustibles involved
.1 Structural materials
.2 Furnishings and baggage
.3 Ship stores
.4 Dry cargo
.5 Liquid cargo
.6 Liquid fuel
.7 Lubricating oil
.8 Hydraulic oil
.9 Other flammable liquids
.10 Not reported

9 Origin of flammable liquid

.1 Burst piping
.2 Leaking valve
.3 Overflow from tank
.4 Leaking coupling or flanges
.5 Flexible hose
.6 Leaking gasket
.7 Oil soaked insulation material
.8 Others
.9 Not applicable
.10 Not reported

10 Source of ignition
.1 Cigarettes, matches, or similar smoking materials
.2 Open flames other than .1 and .8
.3 Static generation
.4 Electrical other than static charges
.5 Spontaneous combustion
.6 Collision
.7 Mechanical fault or breakdown
.8 Burning or welding
.9 Hot exhaust pipe or steam line
.10 Not on vessel concerned
.11 Other
.12 Not reported

11 Type of protection at space concerned

.1 Fire resisting divisions
.2 Fire mains and hydrants
.3 Inert gas system

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ANNEX 6
Page 5

.4 Fixed CO2 system

.5 Halogenated hydrocarbon system
.6 Foam system
.7 Other fixed extinguishing system(e.g., automatic sprinkler or steam smothering)
.8 Other protection (portable and semi-portable extinguishers)
.9 Not reported

12 Means by which fire was detected

.1 Detection system installed and utilized
.2 Detection system installed, but fire detected by personnel
.3 No fire detection system installed, but fire detected by personnel
.4 Not reported

13 Fire-extinguishing effectiveness
.1 Fire-extinguishing equipment adequate
.2 Fire-extinguishing equipment not adequate
.3 Fire-extinguishing equipment improperly used
.4 Assistance from other ship required
.5 Assistance from shore fire brigade required
.6 Ship abandoned
.7 Not applicable
.8 Not reported

14 Extent of damage
.1 Slight damage
.2 Extensive damage
.3 Immobilization of ship due to serious damage
.4 Total constructive loss

17 Observations pertaining to
.1 Construction
.2 Equipment
.3 Crew training
.4 Stowage requirements
.5 Housekeeping
.6 Improper maintenance
.7 Other
.8 None

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ANNEX 6
Page 6

APPENDIX B

GUIDANCE FOR PREPARING THE FIRE CASUALTY CLASSIFICATION

The following should be taken into account when preparing the casualty classification for the
purpose of entering the fire casualty record. The numbering has been kept in consistence with
MSC/Circ.388.

3 Service: There should be only one entry for each ship.

4 Condition: There should be only one entry for each ship. The entries "In port - Loading" and "In
port - Unloading" apply only to the time during which transfer operations are taking place; any fire
occurring while waiting to begin transfer operations should be entered as "In port - Other."

5 Time at which fire was discovered: There should be only one entry for each ship.

6 Duration of fire: There should be only one entry for each ship.

7 Position of outbreak: There should be only one entry for each ship. The definition of the spaces
involved should be the same as those given in the latest version of the SOLAS Convention.

8 Combustibles involved: There may be more than one entry for each ship.

9 Origin of flammable liquid: There may be more than one entry for each ship.

10 Source of ignition: There may be more than one entry reported for each ship, especially if the
damage was so severe that two or more likely sources can be identified.

11 Type of protection at space concerned: There will probably be more than one entry for each ship.
Fixed systems should be entered only if they were in the space on fire; portable systems and those that
use hoses should be entered if they can be brought to bear on the fire.

12 Means by which the fire was detected: There should be only one entry for each ship. The
principle question is whether the fire detection system, if any, was the first to alert ship's personnel.

13 Fire-extinguishing effectiveness: There may be more than one entry for each ship. If the fire is
extinguished without fire fighting, as with an explosion that "blows itself out," then enter "Not
applicable."

14 Extent of damage: There may be more than one entry for each ship. The "Immobilization of ship
due to serious damage" should also be entered when the propulsion system is shut down to aid in fire
fighting.

17 Observations: There may be more than one entry for each ship. Favourable comments as well as
unfavourable comments should be noted. This is the most important part of the casualty report and every
effort should be made to record all observations to be made in paragraph 23 of the fire casualty record.

***

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MEPC/Circ.372

ANNEX 7

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

QUESTIONNAIRE RELATED TO THE

GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM

1. This questionnaire covers both the existing maritime communications system and the GMDSS and
is intended for use during the latter’s transition period (from 1 February 1992 to its full implementation
on 1 February 1999).

2. The purpose of this questionnaire is to enable the Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications and

Search and Rescue to assess the effectiveness of the global maritime distress and safety system and to
recommend improvements where necessary.

3. Member Governments are urged to complete the questionnaire in respect of distress and safety
incidents occurring to ships under their flag, adding any other information which, at their discretion,
would provide lessons to be learned concerning the application of the global maritime distress and safety
system.

4. In addition, Member Governments are encouraged to pass any relevant information they may
possess on casualties concerning foreign ships to the country in which such ships are registered.

4.1 (a) GMDSS sea area or sea areas for which radio equipment was installed:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

(b) Date and time of incident (UTC):______________________________

_________________________________________________________

4.2 Brief description of:

(a) GMDSS sea area:___________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

(b) weather conditions during SAR operations:_______________________

__________________________________________________________

4.3 Description of distress and safety radiocommunications, including particulars of the

following items:

(a) means of communication (radiotelegraphy, radiotelephony, INMARSAT SES, DSC,

EPIRB) and frequencies used for:

distress alert by ship:_________________________________________

distress relay by RCC:________________________________________

SAR Coordinating communications:_____________________________

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ANNEX 7
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(b) use of alarm signal:___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

(c) contents of distress message:____________________________________

___________________________________________________________

(d) RCC(S), ships, coast station or coast earth stations which acknowledged distress
message (state time and position):________________________________
___________________________________________________________

(e) language difficulties:__________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

4.4 If the ship was abandoned, description of distress radiocommunications and location
signals from survival craft:__________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

4.5 If a satellite EPIRB or EPIRB was used for alerting and/or locating survivors, give details
(frequency, type of activation, etc.) and which LUT/CES or coast station received the
alerting signal:___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

4.6 Description of on-scene radiocommunications, including surface/air communications:

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

4.7 Any unusual, or additional, radiocommunication aspects, apparent shortcomings and/or

lessons to be learned: _______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

***

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MEPC/Circ.372

ANNEX 8

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

FATIGUE AS A CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR TO MARITIME ACCIDENTS

FATIGUE FACTORS DATA COMPILATION SHEET

This compilation sheet should be completed and submitted with each maritime accident
investigation report where fatigue has been identified as a contributory factor. The compilation sheet
should indicate the cause of the identified fatigue. See MSC/Circ.621 for guidelines for the investigation
of accidents where fatigue may have been a contributing factor.

Fatigue identified in this accident was caused by (Check all factors that apply):

1 Management/regulatory factors
Contractual arrangements _____
Work and rest periods _____
Manning levels _____
Watchkeeping practices _____
Assignment of duties _____
Shore-ship-shore support and communication _____
Management policy _____
Voyage planning _____
Recreational facilities _____

2 Ship factors
Level of automation _____
Reliability of equipment _____
Motion characteristics _____
Vibration, heat and noise levels _____
Quality of working and living environment _____
Cargo characteristics/requirements _____
Ship design _____

3 Crew factors
Period on board _____
Experience/training _____
Crew composition, cohesiveness, and relationships _____
Crew competency and quality _____
Personal problems and condition _____

4 External factors
Weather _____
Port conditions _____
Ice conditions _____
Density of vessel traffic _____

***

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MEPC/Circ.372

ANNEX 9

IMO MARINE CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORT

INCIDENTAL SPILLAGES OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES OF 50 TONNES OR MORE

The following additional information should be submitted for each incident involving spillage of
50 tonnes or more of harmful substances. See annexes 1 and 2 of this circular for information to be
submitted on vessel identification and casualty specifics. One copy of the report should be retained by the
reporting State, one copy to be sent to the flag State, and one copy to be sent to the International Maritime
Organization.

This reporting format on Incidental Spillages of Harmful Substances of 50 Tonnes or more has been
added, as the report is considered necessary when investigating a casualty or an incident
(MARPOL 73/78, articles 8 and 12), however this does not replace the one-line entry report required by
the annual mandatory report under MARPOL 73/78, article 11 (MEPC/Circ.318, Part 1).

Part 1

To be completed by the reporting State

1. Was the date of the incident known or estimated? __________

2. Location of the incident (select one of the following):

.1 in inland waters

.2 in the territorial sea

.3 within the exclusive economic zone

.4 outside the exclusive economic zone,
in international waters

3. Reporting State: _________________________________________

Report completed by: (Administration and address)

___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________

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ANNEX 9
Page 2

Part 2

Information to be supplied by the reporting State and/or the flag State

4. Action taken by reporting State:

.1 Response to the spill:

.1 no action

.2 clean-up efforts

.3 salvage efforts

.4 other, i.e.

_________________________________________________

.2 Legal action:

.1 no action

.2 action to be taken by flag State

.3 pending

.4 action taken by reporting State, i.e.

_________________________________________________

.3 Measures/recommendations to prevent recurrence:

____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

.4 Additional information:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

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ANNEX 9
Page 3

Direct Natural Resource Damages

Loss of wildlife

Impact on birds

Impact on marine mammals

Impact on fish

Impact on other marine life, including invertebrates

Loss of fisheries

Fin fish

Shellfish

Fish farming

Damage to marine environment

Damage to shore environment

Habitat Degradation

Soft Habitats (salt marshes, mangroves, mudflats)

Shoreline (Beaches)

Rocky Coasts / Reefs, including coral

Part 3

To be completed by the flag State

5. Legal action taken by flag State

.1 no action

.2 pending

.3 action taken, i.e.

_________________________________________________

_____________

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