The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the ferry Princess Ashika off Tonga will look at whether any criminal act contributed to the disaster.
More than 70 people died when the ferry sank on 5 August, about 90km northwest of the capital, Nuku'alofa.
Justice Andrew, who is leading the commission of inquiry, has set out six broad areas it will cover, including whether a criminal act was a contributing factor and whether there is evidence of civil responsibility.
The inquiry will also look into why the death toll was so high, and measures that should be set in place to prevent a similar tragedy happening again.
The Royal Commission's first hearing will take place in Nuku'alofa next Thursday, and issue its final report by the end of March.
The Princess Ashika remains on the sea bed at a depth of 100 metres.,,
