Evidence Gathering Handbook
The Handbook, written by a team from the North of England P&I Association, augments another, larger book published by the Institute: The Mariner's Role in Collecting Evidence - in the Light of ISM by Dr Phil Anderson, also of the Institute's North East England Branch.
The publications are a response to the increasingly litigious world faced by seafarers and designated persons ashore, said Institute President James Robinson. Seafarers are wary of facing litigation or claims and the fear criminalisation is increasing. This was recognised by The Nautical Institute 20 years ago when the first of the Mariner's Role in Collecting Evidence books was published. The Institute's North Eastern Branch has maintained its association with the book throughout that time.
Mr Robinson explained that the Institute was offering the book and handbook to help those at sea and ashore alike in the collection, preservation and use of evidence in marine claims. Use of them both will build confidence when gathering evidence to present to those unfamiliar with shipboard operations - including doctors, insurers, statisticians, civil servants, lawyers and judges. They may need to be informed about the background to an incident under investigation in order to understand it properly.
The Handbook covers the major topics of the book, but allows for easy access to principles and checklists. It will be most valuable to those on board vessels.
The new Handbook addresses the technological developments in marine data collection and transmission since the publication of the third edition of the book in 2006. It will be available to purchase with the main book as a package. Royalties will go to the North East England Branch's Education Trust.
The Mariner's Role in Collecting Evidence - Handbook will also be published by the North of England P&I Association and distributed to its members under its own imprint. The Handbook, with its checklists and easy explanations will combine with the book to cement its usefulness as one of the most influential loss prevention guides in the shipping industry.
The Mariner's Role in Collecting Evidence - book and handbook are available from The Nautical Institute, price GBP45.00; NI Ref 0292; ISBN 978 1 906915 13 1.
