IMO Sec-Gen Urges Concordia Enquiry to Reach Conclusion

In his opening address to the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee's 91st Session Mr. Koji Sekimizu pushes for publication of Costa Concordia accident report.

An extract of the Secretary-General's remarks on the Costa Concordia issue follow:

"As the loss of the Costa Concordia amply demonstrated, those affected are quick to call for action. The international nature of the passengers and crew – with some 70 nationalities involved in the Costa Concordia incident – highlighted the need for an international response, through IMO, to take the appropriate and necessary action in evaluating, developing, and implementing any provisions that might be recommended and needed, following consideration of the outcome of the casualty investigation and any other relevant information.

The Committee supported the establishment of a clear timetable for consideration of the need for improvements or modifications to the current international regulations, based on the outcome of the casualty investigation of the Costa Concordia accident.

In this context, the key issue for the credibility of the Organization was the speedy conduct of the casualty investigation by the flag State authority and submission to the Organization of any findings, so that the Committee could take the necessary action as soon as possible.

It is almost a year since the vessel’s grounding and capsize and we are still awaiting the official casualty investigation report – but I welcome the information provided by Italy providing an update on developments and providing an early indication of the issues the Organization may wish to consider in the future.

My view is that the conduct of emergency drills, control of access to the navigation bridge and the voyage plan are the areas we need to address with urgency and I would like to speak more on these matters under agenda item 7."