Bulgaria establishes unit for investigating marine accidents

An independent unit for investigating marine accidents will be established within Bulgaria’s Transport Ministry, as stated in the changes in the Commercial Shipping Code.

The establishment of an autonomous unit will increase the quality of investigation of marine accidents. Such units have long been operating in countries like Great Britain, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark.

The plans are to create the specialized unit early next year. The changes in the code will also enable the banning of foreign flag ships from entering Bulgarian ports if they don’t comply with the safety requirements and/or pose a threat to the environment.