Marine Accident Investigation Section

The Marine Accident Investigation Section (MAIS) was moved from the Shipping Division to Multi-lateral Policy Division in January 2000. This move enables marine accidents to be investigated independently of other Divisions of the Marine Department, in particular Shipping Division and Port Control Division, which are the regulatory and administrative authorities for ship safety and Hong Kong port respectively.

The MAIS investigates all marine accidents occurring in Hong Kong and on board Hong Kong registered ships. It also conducts official inquiries ordered under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Cap. 281), the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313), Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance (Cap. 548), Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance (Cap. 478), and the Pilotage Ordinance (Cap. 84). The primary purpose of investigation carried out by MAIS is to ascertain the circumstances and the causes with the aim of improving the safety of life at sea and, by publicising the findings of the investigations, the avoidance of accidents in the future. It is not the purpose of the investigation or the report to apportion blame or to take disciplinary action.

In addition, the summary together with the lessons learnt and the full investigation report on serious and very serious accidents will be posted on this site.