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Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002: Amendment: Law drafting instructions relating to Accident Investigations

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

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  • demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision

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The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 16 December 2016:

Decision Reference: MD-E-2016-0059

Decision Summary Title :

Law Drafting Instructions - Accident Investigations

Date of Decision Summary:

5th December 2016

Decision Summary Author:

 

Head of Maritime Administration

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

Public

Type of Report:

Oral or Written?

Written

Person Giving

Oral Report:

 

n/a

Written Report

Title :

Law Drafting Instructions - Accident Investigations

Date of Written Report:

1st December 2016

Written Report Author:

Head of Maritime Administration

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

 

Exempt article 35

Subject:

Law Drafting Instructions - to amend accident investigations in the Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002.

Decision(s):

The Minister approved the law drafting instructions to amend the Law so that it is compliant with agreed international standards and to provide for relevant regulation and order-making powers.

Reason(s) for Decision:

The Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002 does not comply with the Casualty Reporting and Investigation Codes of the International Maritime Organization. In particular, independent investigation needs to be assured and all very serious accidents must be investigated, there are no rules (or provisions to make rules) ensuring compliance with the Codes. The investigation may be halted unilaterally and there is no absolute requirement to publish the report.

 

These matters have come to light through gap analysis and legal advice. Whilst normal practice in Jersey may conform to the intentions of these codes, it is important that Jersey also has the legal framework in place.

Resource Implications:

The Law Draftsman has agreed that there is scope for these amendments within the drafting programme so this decision does not give rise to any additional financial implications.

Action required:

The Law Draftsman to be requested to draft the amendments.

Signature: Senator L J Farnham

Position:

Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture

Date Signed:

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed)

 

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