As suggested by the IMO, the Marine Accident Investigation Section was moved from the Shipping Division to the Multi-lateral Policy Division in 2000, enabling marine accidents to be investigated independently from other operational divisions of the Marine Department. Having taken up the responsibility of maritime accident investigation, the section prepares reports identifying inadequacies in the design, construction and maintenance of vessels and their equipment, operational practices and procedures; the competence of shipboard staff, and so on. Reports produced by the section give recommendations to the Marine Department for improving safety standards and avoiding recurrence of accidents.