MAIB ( The Marine Accident Investigation Branch )

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is responsible for the investigation of all types of marine accidents, both to vessels and to those on board. The MAIB is an independent branch within the Department for Transport (DfT) and is separate from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The MAIB’s head, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, reports directly to the Secretary of State on accident investigation. He/she and his/her professional staff, who are drawn from the nautical, fishing, marine engineering, and naval architecture disciplines, are appointed by the Secretary of State under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. An administrative staff deals with records, data analysis and publications, policy matters, and provides general support.

The MAIB’s sole objective in investigating an accident under the Regulations is the prevention of future accidents by establishing its causes and circumstances: it is not the purpose to apportion liability, nor except so far as is necessary to achieve the objective, to apportion blame. The MAIB is not an enforcement or prosecuting body.

Function of MAIB:

a) To investigate accidents on UK ships any where.

b) To investigate accidents on other ship's in UK waters.

c) To determine the root cause of the accidents, in order to prevent repetition.

d) Publish the report of the investigation.