Marine accidents and incidents can happen at any time. Understanding why they happened allows actions to be taken to prevent reoccurrence. It is therefore vital to have a skilled investigator to understand the chain of events leading to an accident or incident, and identify safety measures that can be implemented.

Course overview

Our two-day training course delivers the core knowledge required to understand the cause factors leading to an accident, collate the required information and compile an investigation report with recommendations for improving safety.

The course is divided into eight sessions which lead delegates chronologically through the accident investigation process. Designed specifically around the needs of the ports industry, it covers the basic skills necessary to carry out a safety investigation after any maritime or occupational accident, using real-world examples and exercises.

The course is presented by a former Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) principal inspector, with 15 years’ experience during which he was involved with the investigation of over 80 serious marine accidents, resulting in over 150 recommendations for improving safety. This is backed up with 27 years at sea, trading worldwide.

Who should attend?

The course is for anyone whose role involves assessing marine risk or investigating maritime accidents and incidents, such as:

• Harbour masters, Deputy harbour masters, Pier masters
• Port safety officers
• Marine managers
• VTS managers
• Marine superintendents

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, attendees will understand:

• How and why accidents occur
• The essential importance of a safety investigation
• What is meant by organisational accidents
• How to recognise and avoid bias during an investigation
• How to recognise and collect human factors evidence
• How to use a basic accident analysis tool
• How to form good safety recommendations
• The structure and content of a good investigation report

What people say

"Mike's experience really brought home what was being taught, and his insight to the whole process was invaluable. The style that it was taught in really worked. Would highly recommend this course."

"There were a good number of relevant case studies and exercises to support learning, and excellent discussions."

"The course was excellent; our tutor was a very experienced accident investigator, and his method of presentation allowed attendees to input valuable experiences in their respective roles. I believe the course to have been of great value and would highly recommend to others."

"A great course with interesting real-life case studies that facilitated the learning topics. Would recommend to my colleagues from marine, and potentially non-marine, backgrounds."

"Relating to relatively current scenarios is extremely beneficial. Mike has an outstanding knowledge base that was a privilege to tap into."

Course dates