At the beginning of the Inquiry twenty questions were formulated by the Canadian government. For example, was "Empress of Ireland" sufficiently and efficiently officered and manned? (Q.4); after the vessels had sighted each other's lights did the atmosphere between them become foggy or misty, so that lights could no longer be seen? If so, did both vessels comply with SOLAS Articles 15 and 16, and did they respectively indicate on their steam whistles or sirens, the course or courses they were taking by the signals set out? (Q.11); was a good and proper lookout kept on board of both vessels? (Q.19); and, was the loss of "Empress of Ireland" or the loss of life, caused by the wrongful act or default of the Master and First Officer of that vessel, and the Master, First, Second and Third Officers of "Storstad", or any of them? (Q.20). All of these questions were addressed by the inquiry and answered in full in its report.