- Marine Accident Investigation Branch
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The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) established in 1989 following the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster is a branch of the United Kingdom Department for Transport which can investigate any accident occurring in UK waters, regardless of the nationality of the vessel(s) involved, and accidents involving UK registered ships worldwide.[1]
Since 3 August 2009 the MAIB has been headquartered in the Mountbatten House in Southampton, Hampshire.[2][3] Previously the MAIB was headquartered in the Carlton House in Southampton.[4]Empowered by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, it is a government agency headed by the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, currently Steve Clinch, previously from the commercial shipping industry prior to taking up this post. The MAIB is the marine equivalent of the much older Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the more recent Rail Accident Investigation Branch all of which report directly to the Secretary of State for Transport.[citation needed]
Investigations are thorough but are strictly limited to establishing cause, promoting awareness of risks and preventing recurrence. Reporting of accidents to the MAIB is mandatory for all commercially operated vessels in UK waters and for all UK registered vessels worldwide. The MAIB receives between 1500 and 2000 incident reports annually of which 40 to 50 become full investigations with published reports. The choice of which accidents are investigated is made on the basis of the scope of the safety lessons which may be learned as a result of the investigation. The reports do not apportion blame and are not intended for use in court.[citation needed]
Publications
Accident reports provide a very detailed analysis of one specific accident and recommendations to parties involved.
Annual Safety digests summarise the type of accidents and lessons which can be learnt. This is now classified by vessel type.
Safety flyers are issued if an investigation reveal an urgent general risk.
Safety studies look at patterns of accidents to inform policy makers, including the International Maritime Organisation, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Health and Safety Executive, some of whom have overlapping responsibilities. For example, the Review of lifeboats and launching systems' accidents revealed that 16% of fatalities investigated on merchant ships occurred during lifeboat training exercises. Unfortunately not one life was saved by a lifeboat in the same 10 year period.References
- ^ "What really happened, Learning by in depth accident investigation". http://www.dnv.com/industry/maritime/publicationsanddownloads/publications/dnvcontainershipupdate/2008/12008/what_really_happened.asp. Retrieved 2009-09-04.
- ^ "Welcome to the MAIB website." Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Retrieved on 21 September 2009.
- ^ "How to find us." Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Retrieved on 21 September 2009.
- ^ "About Us." Marine Accident Investigation Branch. 22 June 2007. Retrieved on 21 September 2009.
External links
Department for Transport of the United Kingdom 55 Victoria Street · Great Minster House · SouthsideMinisters Executive agencies Non-departmental public bodies British Transport Police Authority · Northern Lighthouse Board · Passenger Focus · Trinity House Lighthouse ServiceOther Air Accidents Investigation Branch · Marine Accident Investigation Branch · Rail Accident Investigation Branch
Categories:- Water transport in the United Kingdom
- Public bodies and task forces of the United Kingdom government
- 1989 establishments in the United Kingdom
- Department for Transport
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