It is based on the previous publication 'The Master's Role in Collecting Evidence' and was again edited by Phil Anderson, head of the North of England's loss prevention department. A special edition of the book has been produced for North of England Members in the style of existing loss prevention guides and copies of these have recently been distributed. The title was changed from the original to avoid the implication that the job of gathering evidence is somehow the exclusive preserve of the Master. Since the first edition was published in 1989, there have been a number of relevant developments - in particular the ISM code and STCW convention. The Nautical Institute thus decided to undertake a major review of the book which involved extensive re-writing of many chapters to bring these up to date.
Contemporary evidence is of the utmost importance.
It is vital to make a note or report of any incident immediately, if possible while it is still in progress. Clearly, it is of paramount importance that all aspects of ship operations are carried out in a safe and seamanlike way. In addition, due diligence must be exercised to make the vessel seaworthy and to look after the cargo which has been entrusted into the carrier's custody carefully. However this may not, in itself, be sufficient. It will also be of considerable importance to ensure that all the safe and careful practices and activities are properly documented and supported with other pieces of relevant evidence.