Nations compete vigorously in many of their activities. Transportation accident investigation is an exception. In this field there is extensive cooperation. The cooperation seems to be built on a combination of professional respect, good will and self interest. Transportation vehicles carry people and products around the world.
Vehicles built in one nation are likely to be used in many others.
We rely on each other s navigation systems, fuel, ports, airports and highways. When there is an accident, individuals and products of numerous nations are likely to be involved. They all have an interest in investigating the accidents and eliminating the risks that led to the accident no matter where they are. There are, of course, at the same time, many competing interests in determining liability. To benefit from the efficiencies of cooperation, the accident investigation procedures have to be kept as far as possible from the adversarial role of the courts and from determining blame and liability.