Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024

Public bill · Government · Presented

Creates a new Marine Accident Investigation Unit in the Department of Transport to replace the Marine Casualty Investigation Board, and gives it the power to investigate marine accidents, publish findings and safety recommendations, and reopen older cases if new evidence emerges. It also sets out stronger rules for reporting, evidence handling, confidentiality and cooperation, while making clear these investigations are about improving safety rather than assigning blame. The other major change is a new safety regime for offshore service vessels carrying industrial personnel, including certification, inspections, detention powers and penalties, to better protect workers and bring Ireland into line with international practice.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for the dissolution of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and for its replacement with a unit within the Department of Transport to be known as the Marine Accident Investigation Unit; to provide for the investigation and reporting of marine accidents; to repeal the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000; to provide for the regulation of offshore service vessels; for those and other purposes to amend the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Act 1952, the Merchant Shipping Act 1992 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2010; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 24 April 2025