Maritime accident and incident reports

When must a report be submitted?

Whenever a maritime accident or incident occurs a report (also called a maritime safety report) must be filed to Traficom. The report should contain a detailed account of the accident/incident and any details that could be of help in determining its causes.

What is meant by an accident and an incident?

An accident 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 caused 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. 

An incident means an event, or sequence of events, other than an accident, which has occurred directly in connection with the operations of a ship that endangered, or, if not corrected, would endanger the safety of the ship, those on board or any other person or the environment.

Information to be included in the report

The form must be filled in, irrespective of type of accident/incident. Make sure that you have given the information listed below either on the form or in attachments such as an excerpt from the ship's log.

• A detailed description of the accident/incident and any factors that might have influenced the course of events. 
• Information on injuries as well as damage to third parties and infrastructure, if any (other ships, quay constructions, aids to navigation, etc.)
• The exact time and date of the accident/incident
• Exact coordinates (latitude, longitude)
• Weather conditions, also when not of direct relevance to the accident/incident.

How to submit the report to Traficom

The report should be sent to Traficom as soon as possible after the accident/incident. 

The report should primarily be submitted using the electronic form below. If you have sent the report electronically but have not received any confirmation from Traficom that the report has been received, please send the report by e-mail to: 

meriturvallisuus@traficom.fi or by mail to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency. 

In addition, all maritime accidents should always be reported to Traficom's inspector on duty, number +358 (0)29 5347500

More information