The Inquiry’s terms of reference are published to provide guidance to those who may wish to contribute evidence in the form of relevant information, views and experiences such that they may be of assistance to the Inquiry’s work.

The Committee of Inquiry is requested to: Conduct a local inquiry in public into the circumstances leading to the beaching of the MSC Napoli off the East Devon section of the Devon and Dorset World Heritage coastline and subsequent events to determine whether any lessons should be learned, and to submit any findings and questions of public concern arising to relevant Government departments, local authorities, including the County Council, and partner agencies.

In so doing the Inquiry is invited to consider:

• to what degree the environmental sensitivity of the coastline should be a factor in determining places of refuge for shipping in emergencies;
• whether the UK coastline, marine and estuarine environment is adequately protected under existing legislation;
• whether international shipping conventions are rigorous enough and fully supported internationally;
• whether the statutory powers in respect of salvage of goods are sufficiently clear and robust and the relative responsibilities of agencies sufficiently well-defined and understood to prevent public disorder .

In carrying out its task the Inquiry will take into account:

• the impact of the MSC Napoli on the economy, environment and well-being of local communities;
• the effectiveness of the various agencies involved in responding to the incident, their areas of responsibility, their inter-relationship and relationship with local communities, and identify any constraints such as resources, communications, command and control systems, and training.

And that the findings be:

• Made widely available to elected representatives, stakeholders and the public