What constitutes a marine casualty according to regulations?

The definition of a marine casualty is broad and encompasses various types of incidents that occur on navigable waters. An accident involving any vessel on navigable waters is considered a marine casualty because it includes incidents that can affect the safety of the vessel, its crew, passengers, the environment, and the surrounding waterways. This definition captures a wide range of scenarios, including collisions, groundings, and onboard accidents that could lead to significant consequences.

By including any vessel, the regulations ensure that all forms of watercraft, whether they are commercial, recreational, or governmental, are accounted for in terms of safety and operational protocols. This broad perspective emphasizes the importance of monitoring and addressing incidents to prevent environmental damage, protect human life, and ensure the integrity of navigable waters.

Focusing solely on cargo ships, public vessels, or oil spills narrows the scope of what is acknowledged as a marine casualty, thereby limiting the regulatory framework needed to effectively manage and respond to various maritime incidents.