Wreck Inquiries: The Law and Practice Relating to Formal Investigations in the United Kingdom, British Possessions and Before Naval Courts Into Shipping Casualties and the Incompetency and Misconduct

A comprehensive guide to the law and practice of formal investigations into shipping casualties.

This practical volume explains how Courts of Formal Investigation and related bodies operate across the United Kingdom, its possessions, and naval jurisdictions. It also provides context on appeals, certificates, and the roles of assessors and officers involved in these inquiries.

The book presents the evolution of Wreck Inquiries, details the procedures for formal investigations, and outlines the legal framework governing the discipline. It offers clear explanations of who is affected, what can be investigated, and how investigations are conducted, with emphasis on real-world application for maritime professionals and legal practitioners.

• How formal investigations are started and who must be notified
• Roles and powers of assessors, magistrates, and naval or colonial courts
• Rules governing evidence, witnesses, and the handling of certificates of competency or service
• Scope across domestic and overseas jurisdictions, including overseas possessions

Ideal for lawyers, shipmasters, maritime officers, and students seeking a concise, authoritative reference on shipping casualty inquiries and their procedures.