The terms of reference of this Royal Commission were to enquire and report upon:

(a) the adequacy of the present legislation (including regulations thereunder) concerning seaworthiness of and life saving equipment to be carried on the ships and any improvements considered to be desirable;
(b) the ability of the Harbour and Light Department effectively to administer such legislation and improvements thereto, and to take Court action thereunder, having regard to present staff and legal requirements, and what further staff and facilities (If any) should be made available to the Department for such purposes;
(c) the requirements and standards of qualifications for masters, mates, engineers, marine motor engine drivers and coxswains' certificates, respectively, and any improvements considered to be desirable;
(d) the adequacy of the present organisation and facilities for the search and rescue of persons missing at sea from such ships and any improvements considered to be desirable;
(e) the attitude to, and views on, the foregoing matters of those affected by such legislation and its enforcement; and
(f) generally into the safety of such ships and those aboard them while at sea, and recommendations for or in regard to legislation, organisation, control, facilities, education or other matters to provide or improve measures for such safety.