Maritime Accident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis Training Course

Introduction

In the critical and safety-driven global maritime industry, mastering Maritime Accident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis is absolutely essential for organizations and professionals committed to enhancing safety, preventing recurrences, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip marine superintendents, safety officers, Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs), vessel masters, technical managers, accident investigators, and regulatory compliance personnel with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for methodologies for investigating incidents, identifying root causes, and implementing preventative measures. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of international investigation standards, various accident causation models, advanced analytical techniques to uncover underlying systemic failures, and the strategic implications of effective investigations for driving organizational learning and improving safety performance. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, international industry best practices (ISM Code, IMO Casualty Investigation Code), and real-world case studies pertinent to complex maritime incidents, empowering you to conduct thorough and insightful investigations that lead to tangible safety improvements.

This maritime incident investigation course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond superficial incident reporting towards a proactive, expert-level approach to understanding the true causes of maritime accidents. Mastering systematic investigation methodologies, implementing effective root cause analysis techniques, and understanding strategies for developing robust preventative measures are indispensable for minimizing future operational risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating financial liabilities, and safeguarding human lives and assets. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic maritime safety management and operational risk reduction, positioning your organization at the forefront of proactive safety initiatives and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced safety performance and a resilient safety culture.

Target Audience

• Marine Superintendents & Operations Managers
• Company Safety Officers (CSOs) & Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs)
• Vessel Masters & Chief Officers
• Ship Technical Managers & Engineers
• Accident Investigators (Internal & External)
• Quality & Compliance Managers
• Regulatory Compliance Personnel

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental purpose and principles of maritime accident investigation.
• Learn about the international regulatory framework for marine casualty investigation (e.g., IMO Casualty Investigation Code).
• Master various accident causation models and their application in maritime contexts.
• Develop proficiency in systematic data collection, evidence preservation, and interview techniques during an investigation.
• Explore best practices for applying advanced root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies.
• Understand the critical role of human factors in maritime accidents and how to investigate them.
• Learn about robust strategies for developing effective preventative measures and safety recommendations.
• Identify the critical aspects of investigation reporting and regulatory submission requirements.
• Develop skills in conducting internal investigations and managing external investigations.
• Understand the legal implications and liabilities arising from maritime accidents.
• Explore strategies for fostering a just culture and promoting organizational learning from incidents.
• Drive the implementation of a comprehensive accident investigation and root cause analysis framework.
• Position yourself as a leader in enhancing maritime safety through effective incident analysis.

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Maritime Accident Investigation

• Defining maritime accidents, incidents, and near misses
• Purpose and objectives of accident investigation: learning, prevention, accountability
• The importance of a systematic and objective approach
• Overview of the regulatory landscape for marine casualty investigation
• The role of accident investigation in a robust Safety Management System (SMS)

Module 2. Regulatory Framework for Marine Casualty Investigation

• IMO Casualty Investigation Code (Res. MSC.255(84)) and its principles
• SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC conventions and their relevance to investigations
• National legislation and flag state requirements for reporting and investigation
• Role of classification societies and P&I clubs in the investigation process
• Distinctions between safety investigations and judicial/criminal investigations

Module 3. Accident Causation Models

• Understanding linear causation models (e.g., Domino Theory)
• Introduction to systemic accident models (e.g., Swiss Cheese Model, SHEL Model)
• The concept of active failures and latent conditions
• Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) in maritime context
• Applying causation models to complex maritime incidents

Module 4. Data Collection & Evidence Preservation

• Initial response and securing the accident scene
• Types of evidence: physical, documentary, human, electronic
• Techniques for evidence collection and preservation
• Conducting effective interviews with witnesses and involved personnel
• Utilizing VDR/S-VDR data and other onboard recording systems

Module 5. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Methodologies

• Principles of Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Common RCA tools: 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
• Event and Causal Factors Charting (ECFC)
• Barrier analysis and control failures
• Practical application of RCA tools to maritime incidents

Module 6. Human Factors in Accident Investigation

• Understanding human error types and their contribution to accidents
• Fatigue, stress, workload, and their impact on human performance
• Communication failures, leadership issues, and cultural influences
• Cognitive biases in decision-making
• Interviewing techniques for human factors investigation

Module 7. Developing Effective Preventative Measures

• Translating root causes into actionable safety recommendations
• Hierarchy of controls for risk mitigation
• Designing effective corrective and preventative actions
• Implementing technical, operational, procedural, and training-based solutions
• Ensuring recommendations are practical, measurable, and sustainable

Module 8. Investigation Reporting & Regulatory Submission

• Structure and content of a comprehensive investigation report
• Crafting clear, concise, and evidence-based findings
• Developing actionable safety recommendations
• IMO Marine Casualty Investigation Reporting requirements
• Confidentiality and disclosure of investigation findings

Module 9. Internal & External Investigations Management

• Establishing an internal investigation team and protocols
• Coordinating with external authorities (flag state, port state, accident investigation boards)
• Managing media inquiries and public relations during an investigation
• Legal implications of internal vs. external investigations
• Preserving legal privilege (where applicable)

Module 10. Legal Implications & Liabilities

• Understanding civil and criminal liabilities in maritime accidents
• The role of P&I Clubs and marine insurance in claims management
• Consequences of negligence and gross negligence
• Legal implications of investigation findings and recommendations
• Compliance with international and national laws regarding evidence and reporting

Module 11. Just Culture & Organizational Learning

• Principles of a Just Culture in accident investigation: balancing accountability with learning
• Encouraging open reporting of incidents and near misses without fear of blame
• Fostering a learning organization from incidents and near misses
• Communicating lessons learned throughout the organization and industry
• The role of management in promoting a safety-first culture

Module 12. Tools & Technologies for Investigation

• Utilization of specialized software for investigation data management and analysis
• 3D modeling and reconstruction of accident scenes
• Forensic analysis of shipboard systems and data recorders
• Drone technology for aerial surveys and evidence collection
• Simulation tools for re-enacting scenarios

Module 13. Future Trends in Maritime Accident Investigation

• Impact of autonomous vessels on investigation methodologies
• Cybersecurity incidents as a new focus for investigations
• Advanced analytics and AI for predictive safety and anomaly detection
• Global collaboration and data sharing for systemic safety improvements
• The evolving role of human factors in increasingly automated maritime environments

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.