Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation

The BSU is a higher federal authority subordinated to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. It records and investigates all types of maritime casualties worldwide on board of or involving ships flying the German flag, or when the Federal Republic of Germany has a justified interest in investigating a maritime casualty abroad. Within German territorial waters and in certain cases also within the German exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the BSU acts independently of the respective flag state. The aim of a marine casualty investigation is to provide a comprehensive account and analysis of the casualty with the purpose of preventing future casualties. All direct and indirect causes, contributing factors and the overall circumstances, including any rescue measures, are to be considered. By law, the BSU is guided by a so-called no blame approach. Therefore, the investigation is not intended to determine fault, liability, or any other claims. The BSU attaches great importance to in...