COURSE OVERVIEW:

Advanced Marine Accident Investigation and Report Writing as per IMO Requirements is an intensive program designed for maritime professionals involved in the forensic analysis of maritime casualties. This course provides a deep dive into the IMO Casualty Investigation Code (Resolution MSC.255(84)), establishing the legal and procedural standards for state-led and corporate investigations. Participants will learn how to navigate the complexities of maritime accidents, ensuring that investigations are conducted with the primary goal of preventing future occurrences through the systematic identification of safety gaps.

The curriculum focuses on modern investigative techniques, covering evidence preservation, witness interviewing, and digital data analysis. Attendees will learn how to reconstruct accident sequences using Voyage Data Recorders (VDR), AIS data, and ECDIS logs, alongside traditional physical evidence from the hull and machinery. The course places heavy emphasis on the "Human Element," exploring psychological and physiological factors that contribute to errors, while avoiding the trap of assigning individual blame in favor of identifying systemic failures.

A critical component of the course is the development of advanced technical writing skills for the production of high-impact safety reports. Participants will practice drafting investigation reports that meet IMO standards for clarity, evidence-based reasoning, and actionable safety recommendations. By mastering the art of presenting complex technical findings to regulatory bodies and ship owners, investigators will be able to influence maritime safety policy and drive meaningful improvements in vessel operations and seafaring work conditions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Apply the mandatory requirements of the IMO Casualty Investigation Code.
2. Differentiate between safety-focused investigations and criminal/liability inquiries.
3. Manage the initial response and evidence preservation at an accident scene.
4. Conduct structured interviews using cognitive interviewing techniques.
5. Reconstruct accident timelines using VDR, AIS, and electronic charting data.
6. Analyze physical damage to hulls and structures to determine impact dynamics.
7. Utilize human factors models (e.g., SHEL, Swiss Cheese) in accident analysis.
8. Identify root causes, contributing factors, and underlying systemic weaknesses.
9. Formulate safety recommendations that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, etc.).
10. Draft comprehensive investigation reports that comply with IMO standards.
11. Manage multi-jurisdictional and multi-stakeholder investigation complexities.
12. Use investigation findings to update Safety Management Systems (SMS).
13. Effectively communicate safety lessons to the wider maritime community.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Marine Accident Investigators, Marine Superintendents, DPAs, Legal Professionals in Shipping, Port Authority Safety Officers, and Senior Naval Architects.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.