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The venue chosen for the Re-opened Formal Investigation (RFI) was the ground floor of Europa House, in Ferensway in Hull . A complete redesign of the existing floor space was required to ensure that the Investigation and the parties to it would be fully supported and to facilitate the RFI.
Due to the nature of the 2002 Sur vey of the F.V. Gaul and the subsequent 3,500 hours of formal evidence recorded with the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV's), a detailed layout of the hearing room was required. Thus ensuring that the evidence could be presented to the Wreck Commissioner Mr Justice David Steel, the parties to the Investigation and the general public.
An Audio-Visual company provided the specialised equipment such as the control platform and two large projector screens, used to ensure the Investigation could view all the images and footage requested by them. Audio links and an audio loop were installed to ensure that the judge, assessors, legal counsel, experts, and witnesses could be heard by all those present.
On site transcription services were provided, and the daily transcripts were uploaded to the inquiry website daily. The Investigation was assisted by the Gaul Technical Support Team, and although the effective footprint of the IT infrastructure was quite small, they ensured that the computer systems for the 30 staff involved were functioning at all times. An onsite Audio-Visual editing room provided any video footage, which was required or called as evidence during the RFI.
The logistical planning for Europa House ensured that the vast majority of the furniture used at the RFI had been recycled from other Government Departments.
The IT equipment purchased for the RFI was specified to ensure that once the RFI and the Judges report was finished it would be re-distributed within the Department. Photocopier and fax machines were rented specifically for the RFI along with the majority of the specified audio-visual equipment.
This ensured that the costs to the RFI were reduced but the quality of the service and back up provided by those involved was high. This was highlighted by the Wreck Commissioner in his closing speech.
© Crown copyright 2004
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