8.—(1) Any other party to the formal investigation shall be entitled to make a further opening statement, to give evidence to adduce documentary evidence, to call witnesses, to cross-examine any witnesses called by any other party and to address the wreck commissioner in such order as the wreck commissioner may direct. The Secretary of State may also produce and examine further witnesses who may be cross-examined by the parties and re-examined by the Secretary of State.
(2) A party who does not appear in person at a formal investigation and is not represented may make representations in writing to the wreck commissioner and such written representations may be read out at the formal investigation by or on behalf of the wreck commissioner.