🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR reporting and investigation requirements after a marine casualty • The role and authority of the U.S. Coast Guard in marine casualty investigations • Whether private parties (attorneys, surveyors) have the same legal right of access as federal investigators

💭 Think About

• Which organization has clear regulatory authority to inspect a vessel’s official records (logbooks, bell books) after a marine casualty? • Are you legally required to provide records to private parties in the same way you are required to provide them to government investigators? • Think about who can compel production of documents on the spot during an investigation, versus who may need a court order or your consent.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR who conducts the official investigation of marine casualties and what documents they may examine • Distinguish between mandatory access to logbooks and voluntary or court-ordered sharing with private parties • Confirm whether the exam question is asking about a regulatory requirement or about who might eventually see the records in a lawsuit