75Marine safety investigations

75 Marine safety investigations

(1) The Minister may order an investigation (a marine safety investigation) into any of the following matters: (a) a marine accident that has been reported under section 103 or that the Minister believes may have occurred; (b) any situation that has the potential to cause a marine accident; (c) any alleged incompetence or misconduct of the operator of a vessel who is required under section 15 to hold a current boat driving licence; (d) a vessel that has been detained under section 89 in relation to an offence against section 19 (operating an unsafe vessel). (2) The principal purposes of a marine safety investigation are: (a) to determine the circumstances of or concerning a marine accident or other matter as they affect marine safety; and (b) to make recommendations to prevent the reoccurrence of a similar marine accident or other matter. (3) A marine safety investigation may be carried out whether or not it relates to a matter that: (a) is being investigated, or has been investigated, under another law; or (b) is or may be subject to criminal or civil proceedings. (4) If the Minister orders a marine safety investigation into alleged incompetence or misconduct of the holder of a current boat driving licence, the Minister may notify the State or Territory authority that granted the licence of the investigation.