ORGANIZATION The BEAmer is a permanent, specialized, national agency which carries out its activities independently of the ministry charged with establishing and monitoring navigation safety standards (merchant ships, fishing vessels and pleasure craft). Members of the inspection and control branches of the ministry may be asked to participate. The BEAmer comprises : _ a permanent team of investigators and administrative staff based in Paris, _ a network of regional delegates and local correspondents, _ a large body of permanent or occasional specialists who are consulted as necessary. ACTION The action of the BEAmer takes place in full compliance with international, European and national rules and notably with the provisions of : Åú the "Code for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Accidents" of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at the international level ; Åú the relevant guidelines at the European level ; Åú an act of Parliament promulgated by the French government on 3rd January 2002 relating to technical investigations after accidents at sea and the decree of enforcement of 26th January 2004 relating to technical investigations after marine casualties and terrestrial accidents or incidents, at the national level.