Collision Investigations: The new technologies and other interesting bits

Résumé

In this paper, Wong discusses the objectives and nature of collision investigations, considering in particular the advent of new technologies and navigational equipment, which assist with determining the facts of a collision far more easily. Wong argues that two devices in particular have become increasingly important and are gradually being used as the benchmark in terms of establishing the factual matrix of a collision and the basis upon which parties will commence negotiations in relation to the apportionment of liability. These are AIS (Automatic Identification System) and VDR (Voyage Data Recorders).