Marine Safety Investigation & Reporting Authority (MSIRA)

Can I use a MSIRA investigation report as evidence to support a legal claim in court?

No. MSIRA reports may not be used in any proceedings where the purpose, or one of the purposes, is to apportion blame or liability

If I receive a copy of the draft investigation report can i divulge its contents to anyone?

MSIRA draft reports are issued in confidence. You may only share the contents with an advisor for the purposes of making a formal response in writing to the chief marine accident investigator.

If I receive a copy of a MSIRA investigation report, how long do I have to submit any comments?

You will have 30 days to respond in writing

If I am involved in a marine accident which is under investigation can I see the MSIRA investigation report before it is published?

Persons who may be affected by the report’s contents and others with a substantial interest in the MSIRA investigation will be given the opportunity to comment of the draft report before final publication.

Is the MSIRA independent of the Virgin Islands Government?

The chief marine accident investigator is appointed directly by the governor and the authority is functionally independent from government.