Definition(s)
Marine Casualty
A marine casualty means an event, or a sequence of events, that has resulted in any of the following which has occurred directly in connection with the operations of a ship:
.1 the death of, or serious injury to, a person;
.2 the loss of a person from a ship;
.3 the loss, presumed loss or abandonment of a ship;
.4 material damage to a ship;
.5 the stranding or disabling of a ship, or the involvement of a ship in a collision;
.6 material damage to marine infrastructure external to a ship, that could seriously endanger the safety of the ship, another ship or an individual; or
.7 severe damage to the environment, or the potential for severe damage to the environment, brought about by the damage of a ship or ships.
However, a marine casualty does not include a deliberate act or omission, with the intention to cause harm to the safety of a ship, an individual or the environment.
Source: IMO Resolution MSC.255(84), Code of the International Standards and Recommended Practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine Casualty or Marine Incident (Casualty Investigation Code), 16 May 2008, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory Guidance