Definition(s)
Causal Factor
A causal factor means actions, omissions, events or conditions, without which:
.1 the marine casualty or marine incident would not have occurred; or
.2 adverse consequences associated with the marine casualty or marine incident would probably not have occurred or have been as serious;
.3 another action, omission, event or condition, associated with an outcome in .1 or .2, would probably not have occurred.
Source: IMO Resolution MSC.255(84), Code of the International Standards and Recommended Practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine Casualty or Marine Incident (Casualty Investigation Code), 16 May 2008, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory Guidance