This course builds on the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course to further develop the particular skills required for marine accident investigations and draws upon the experience of the maritime industry to give an in-depth view of the marine accident investigation process.
The course content was carefully developed in close collaboration with the accident investigation community, including the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and with the endorsement of the Centre’s Industry Advisory Board.
The course runs annually in February and is scheduled to follow directly on from the January Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course to facilitate a 6-week study package if required.
The course concentrates on applying techniques to the specialised aspects of marine accidents and serious incidents.
A major element of the course is a five-day simulation exercise. The exercise covers many aspects including: team management; evidence planning and collection; site management; site safety; evidential photography; witness interviewing; media management; working with recorded data; documentation investigation; analysis techniques; formal report writing and development of safety recommendations.
The course includes the opportunity to visit the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s (MAIB) Head Quarters in Southampton and to meet MAIB Inspectors who will lecture on various aspects of marine casualty investigations, including the analysis of technical data*.
At a glance
-
- Dates
-
- 02 - 20 Feb 2026
- DurationThree weeks
- Location成人抖阴 campus
-
CostCourse fee: £6,300. The course fee includes refreshments and lunch during the day.
*Please note that accommodation in Southampton, including all meals and transport from the university to Southampton on the Sunday of week one, and the return journey on the Thursday evening of week two, is included in the course fee. All other accommodation must be booked separately. Concessions available
Course structure
The course topics are explored in conjunction with case studies, technical visits to maritime institutions and marine infrastructure facilities. A major element of the course is a five-day simulation exercise. The course is formally assessed and, when combined with the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course, completes the core element of the PGCert in Safety and Accident Investigation.
What you will learn
On successful completion, you will have gained the skills needed to confidently conduct a marine accident investigation.
Core content
This intense three-week course provides a practical approach to investigating marine accidents encompassing the technical, operational and human aspects of investigation:
- International basis for marine accident investigations.
- State Director of Marine Accidents' perspective.
- Managing a marine accident investigation.
- Marine accident site risk management.
- Evidence preservation and collection strategies.
- Enhanced interview techniques.
- Five-day accident simulation exercise.
- Accident report writing.
- Working with the media.
- Marine operational and engineering human factors.
- Physiology, psychology and pathology in marine accidents.
- Applied analysis methods.
- Investigating navigational accidents.
- Investigating machinery failures.
- Investigating with recorded data.
- Investigating ship fires and explosions.
- Investigating structural & stability accidents.
- Investigating marine occupational health accidents.
- Visit to UK MAIB.
Upgrade to a professional qualification
Many of the short courses within the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre are available as standalone CPD courses. Our postgraduate programme in Safety and Accident Investigation allows you to combine the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation and Applied Marine Accident Investigation course towards a Postgraduate Certificate.
Who should attend
The course is aimed at those who may have to conduct, or participate in, a ma