18.1 When the flag State(s), a coastal State (if
involved) or other substantially interested States are seeking to
reach agreement, in accordance with chapter 7 of Part II on which
State or State(s) will be the marine safety investigating State(s)
under this Code, the following factors should be taken into account:
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.1 whether the marine casualty or marine incident
occurred in the territory, including territorial sea, of a State;
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.2 whether the ship or ships involved in a marine
casualty or marine incident occurring on the high seas, or in the
exclusive economic zone, subsequently sail into the territorial sea
of a State;
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.3 the resources and commitment required of the
flag State and other substantially interested States;
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.4 the potential scope of the marine safety investigation
and the ability of the flag State or another substantially interested
State to accommodate that scope;
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.5 the need of the investigator(s) carrying out
a marine safety investigation to access evidence and consideration
of the State or States best placed to facilitate that access to evidence;
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.6 any perceived or actual adverse effects of
the marine casualty or marine incident on other States;
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.7 the nationality of the crew, passengers and
other persons affected by the marine casualty or marine incident.