Research on Structural Optimization of China’s Maritime Accident Investigation

The central contradiction that maritime accident investigations aim to resolve has shifted from establishing a closed chain of evidence to authentically reconstructing the truth of accidents. At present, maritime accident investigations in China are still dominated by a value orientation of accountability attribution, lacking a genuine people?centered approach and insufficiently reconciling the interests of multiple stakeholders. The mechanized investigation procedures carried out by a single administrative authority often incomplete and one?sided factual findings, which not only impede the formulation of effective preventive measures but also fail to fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of the parties concerned. Based on advanced international experience, investigations should be guided by the core principles of ex?ante prevention, integrity incentives, and collaborative governance. It is proposed that an independent maritime accident investigation agency, separate from the Maritime Safety Administration, be established. This agency shall conduct a comprehensive investigation into all contributing factors of maritime accidents, put forward targeted safety recommendations, supervise their implementation, and conduct credit assessments of relevant parties. Such credit assessments shall directly influence the final administrative decisions issued by the Maritime Safety Administration, so as to reshape the institutional power system of maritime accident investigations through a dual?subject structure.