Merchant Shipping Act, 1894

Preliminary inquiry into shipping casualties.

465.(1) Where a shipping casualty has occurred a preliminary inquiry may be held respecting the casualty by the following persons; namely,—

(a) Where the shipping casualty occurs on or near the coasts of the United Kingdom, by the inspecting officer of the coastguard or chief officer of customs residing at or near the place at which the casualty occurs; or

(b) Where the shipping casualty occurs elsewhere, by the inspecting officer of the coastguard or chief officer of customs residing at or near any place at which the witnesses with respect to the casualty arrive or are found or can be conveniently examined; or

(c) In any case by any person appointed for the purpose by the Board of Trade.

(2) For the purpose of any such inquiry the person holding the same shall have the powers of a Board of Trade inspector under this Act.