Investigation of Marine accidents and incidents

The Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (OTKES) investigates marine accidents that occur in Finland’s inland or territorial waters, or that involve Finnish vessels in international waters. A safety investigation may also be initiated for incidents in marine traffic if investigating them is considered beneficial for improving safety.

The investigation obligations arising from international legislation apply to merchant and fishing vessels operating in international traffic. However, OTKES may also investigate accidents involving vessels in domestic traffic, government vessels, or recreational craft. Accidents in military maritime operations are investigated when the victim is a person performing conscript service or belonging to the wartime reserve. OTKES may also conduct thematic investigations into less severe maritime accidents or incidents when long‑term monitoring reveals recurring patterns.

Safety investigations in marine traffic are based on the Safety Investigation Act (525/2011), as well as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.849(20) on the investigation of marine casualties and the European Union Directive 2009/18/EC on the investigation of marine accidents. The investigation obligations arising from international legislation apply to merchant and fishing vessels operating in international traffic, but OTKES may also investigate accidents occurring in domestic traffic or involving recreational craft.