What must a Pollution Investigator contact an Investigating Officer for?

A Pollution Investigator must contact an Investigating Officer when a commercial vessel or facility is involved because such situations typically require coordination with regulatory authorities and adherence to specific protocols. Investigating Officers have the expertise and authority to handle cases that involve larger entities, including commercial vessels and facilities, which often deal with potential violations of environmental regulations. This collaboration helps ensure that the investigation is thorough, compliant with legal standards, and that appropriate actions are taken to mitigate any environmental impacts.

While interactions with internal investigations or anonymous reports can be significant, they may not necessitate direct contact with an Investigating Officer in the same way that cases involving commercial operations do. Similarly, finding evidence of a spill is important, but the involvement of a commercial entity adds layers of complexity that warrant specialized regulatory input and intervention.