(1)  MAST may investigate any maritime incident –

(a) reported to it under regulation 6 ; or

(b) on its own motion.

(2)  In deciding whether to investigate a maritime incident, MAST is to have regard to –

(a) its statutory functions; and

(b) the apparent nature and seriousness of the maritime incident; and

(c) whether appropriate and adequate investigative action has been, is being or is likely to be taken in respect of the maritime incident by another agency of the State or an agency of the Commonwealth; and

(d) any interest that an agency in another jurisdiction that is equivalent to MAST may have in the matter; and

(e) whether any civil, coronial or criminal proceedings have been instituted in the matter; and

(f) any other matters it considers relevant.