Marine Inquiries: History, Practice and Purpose

Abstract

Smith's paper explores the history, practice, and purpose of marine inquiries into major accidents. More specifically, the paper reviews what has been achieved in practice, and takes stock of the competing views concerning the reforms which can be made in the present system. In doing so, Smith takes account of: the developing technology of shipping, the increasing awareness of industry participants of their constitutional and administrative law rights, international trends in improving inquiry mechanisms, and the gathering movement towards more efficient and strategically planned bureaucratic structures expected during the second term of the present government in NZ.

Extensive appendices are attached to Smith's article.