'Duke of Normandy': Investigation into the grounding of the vessel

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A decision made 7 September 2011 regarding:

Decision Reference: MD-E-2011-0137
Decision Summary Title :	Investigation into the grounding of States’ vessel, the ‘Duke of Normandy’		Date of Decision Summary:	05 September 2011
Decision Summary Author:	Registrar of Shipping		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	oral		Person Giving Oral Report:	Registrar of Shipping
Written Report Title :	n/a		Date of Written Report:	n/a
Written Report Author:	n/a		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	n/a
Subject: States Vessel “Duke of Normandy” Investigation
Decision(s): In accordance with article 166 of the Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002, the Minister has decided to appoint the international marine consulting firm known as MECAL to carry out an external investigation to inquire into the circumstances of the grounding of and subsequent damage to the States vessel ‘Duke of Normandy’ that occurred on Friday 2 September 2011.
Reason(s) for Decision: Although no passenger or crew injuries occurred and the vessel was able to return to port, the grounding resulted in the vessel being holed in three places. The vessel is a commercial work boat and this had the potential for being a serious incident warranting investigation under procedures laid down by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The Minister believes that in the circumstances an external investigator will ensure that there is proper transparency of process and that there is no conflict of interest. MECAL already act on behalf of the Jersey Registry for all commercial vessels and the UK Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) have agreed to provide advice as necessary. In the interest of the safety of all Jersey–registered vessels a formal investigation by MECAL is therefore the most appropriate and resource-efficient way to proceed.
Resource Implications: Costs are within the Department’s budget
Action required: The Minister will take the action necessary to appoint MECAL to carry out the investigation
Signature: Senator AJH Maclean		Position: Economic Development Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):