It is a statutory requirement that any casualty involving a Hong Kong registered ship anywhere in the world, or any other vessel whilst within Hong Kong waters, be reported to the Director of Marine.

The Marine Accident Investigation Section of the Department conducts investigations to establish the causes and circumstances under which marine accidents occurred, with a view to identifying any inadequacies on the design, construction and maintenance of vessels and their equipment; operational practices and procedures; competence of shipboard staff etc., and any improvement measures which can be implemented to avoid recurrence. Recommendations arising out of these investigations are given serious consideration by the Department and implemented if they can help improve safety standards.