COURSE OVERVIEW:

Marine Accidents Investigation is a specialized program designed to equip maritime professionals with the analytical tools needed to uncover the truth behind shipboard incidents. This course examines the systematic process of gathering evidence, analyzing data, and identifying the fundamental reasons why accidents occur at sea. It provides a technical framework that moves beyond assigning blame, focusing instead on the "Safety Management" objective of preventing future occurrences through the identification of systemic failures.

The scope of this training involves a detailed study of the IMO Casualty Investigation Code and the legal requirements for reporting and investigating maritime disasters. Participants will explore a wide range of incident types, including collisions, groundings, fires, and equipment failures. The program emphasizes the importance of the "Human Element," applying models such as the James Reason Swiss Cheese Model and the HFACS (Human Factors Analysis and Classification System) to understand the interaction between personnel, equipment, and organizational culture.

Coverage includes the practicalities of a field investigation, such as the preservation of evidence, the conduct of witness interviews, and the analysis of VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) data. The course addresses the drafting of comprehensive investigation reports that meet international standards for clarity and technical accuracy. By bridging the gap between forensic science and maritime operations, this course equips participants with the expertise needed to drive continuous improvement in safety standards across the global fleet.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

1. Explain the legal mandate of the IMO Casualty Investigation Code.
2. Differentiate between Very Serious, Serious, and Less Serious casualties.
3. Implement a structured investigation process from notification to report.
4. Utilize forensic techniques for the preservation and collection of evidence.
5. Conduct effective and non-confrontational witness interviews.
6. Analyze VDR and ECDIS data to reconstruct accident sequences.
7. Apply the "Swiss Cheese Model" to identify latent organizational failures.
8. Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using standard industry tools.
9. Evaluate the role of fatigue, stress, and communication in accidents.
10. Identify the technical causes of mechanical and structural failures.
11. Draft a professional investigation report with actionable recommendations.
12. Manage the interaction between safety investigations and criminal trials.
13. Lead an internal investigation team within a shipping organization.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Ship Superintendents, DPA and Assistant DPA, Marine Managers, Senior Ship Officers, and Maritime Safety Auditors.

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.