Witness Interview Process Overview

Stage 1: Prepare and Plan (Be Prepared)
  • Identify witnesses/interviewees:
    • Key witness: Person directly involved (Captain, crew, ancillary personnel, PCG personnel)
    • Eye witnesses: Individuals who directly witnessed the accident
    • Other witnesses: Crew, company personnel, port officials, equipment designers, emergency response personnel, etc.
Stage 2: Engage and Explain

  • Opening the Interview:

    • Introduce yourself and your assistant
    • Ask permission to use a recorder
    • Reassure the witness about:
    • Purpose of the interview
    • Their rights
    • What will happen to the information shared

  • Sample Introduction:

    • "Good morning Sir, we are the Maritime Casualty Investigation Team. I am (name of the speaker), the head of the investigation team. With me is CG PO2 Rollan, CG SW1 Balasta, etc. This investigation focuses on safety to understand circumstances leading to errors or lapses, allowing us to make safety recommendations and prevent future accidents. This is distinct from civil, criminal, and administrative investigations; your statements are not liabilities and cannot be used against you."

  • Establishing Rapport:

    • Be polite and natural
    • Keep interruptions minimal
    • Strive for a friendly atmosphere
    • Intervene only as necessary to guide the conversation
    • Display sincere interest in the witness's account
Stage 3: Account Chronology
  • Steps for Collecting the Story:
    1. Ask the witness to recount events starting from:
    • Before the vessel's departure: What were you doing?
    • The role of the clearing officer: What actions were taken?
    • Your activities before the incident: Where were you at that time?
    • The time of the accident: What were you doing and where?
    • After the incident: What were you doing and where?
    • Duration and actions of the search and rescue: What occurred?
Techniques in Interviewing
  1. Use open-ended questions predominantly
  2. Seek clarification when needed
  3. Observe body language for cues
  4. Record the interview for accuracy
  5. Utilize charts, plans, and other physical aids
  6. Have an assistant take notes to highlight key points
  7. Summarize the statements frequently for validation
Stage 4: Account Clarification and Challenge
  • Cross-checking Procedures:
    • Compare evidence against the interviewee’s statement
    • Validate statements from other witnesses
    • Match documentation against the interviewee’s account
    • Ensure equipment details align with the testimony
    • Check procedures discussed vis-a-vis the interviewee’s claims
    • Assess environmental factors in relation to the statements
Completing the Interview
  • Final Steps:
    • Ask: "Have I missed anything?" to clarify
    • Verify and validate details discussed
    • Inform the witness of next steps
    • Thank them for their participation
    • Emphasize the importance of their evidence in the investigation
    • Ask about their movements for accuracy
    • Escort them to the door and ensure they feel valued in the process.