Independent marine casualty investigations performed following accidents, incidents and operational occurrences affecting commercial vessels, cargo, personnel or the marine environment. Investigation activities are focused on evidence collection, cause assessment, contributing factors analysis and preparation of technical findings intended to support operational, insurance and legal processes.
Investigation Scope
Investigation attendance may be requested following collisions, groundings, contacts, cargo incidents, machinery failures, fire events, flooding occurrences, pollution incidents, personal injuries or other operational events requiring independent technical assessment.
Evidence Collection & Analysis
Investigation activities may include site attendance, photographic documentation, witness interviews, review of vessel records, maintenance documentation, logbooks, certificates and other operational evidence considered relevant to the occurrence under investigation.
Cause Assessment
Particular attention is given to identifying immediate causes, contributing factors and underlying operational circumstances that may have influenced the occurrence. Investigation findings are based on factual observations, available evidence and technical assessment of the circumstances identified during attendance.
Technical Findings & Reporting
Investigation findings are documented through structured technical reporting including factual observations, evidence reviewed, analysis performed and conclusions supported by the information available at the time of the investigation.
Related Services
Related services include cargo and ship damage surveys, P&I condition surveys and Flag State attendance where incidents require additional technical assessment, compliance verification or follow-up investigation activities.
FAQs
What types of incidents can be investigated?
Marine casualty investigations may involve collisions, contacts, groundings, fires, machinery failures, cargo incidents, pollution events, personal injuries and other operational occurrences affecting commercial vessels.
Can casualty investigations support insurance claims?
Yes. Investigation reports provide independent technical findings, factual observations and supporting evidence that may assist insurers, P&I Clubs, shipowners and other interested parties in evaluating the circumstances of an occurrence.
Are witness interviews included in the investigation?
Where appropriate and subject to availability, investigation activities may include interviews with vessel personnel and other individuals directly involved in the occurrence.
How quickly can an investigator attend?
Attendance may often be coordinated on short notice depending on vessel location, operational circumstances and surveyor availability.
How much does a casualty investigation cost?
Investigation costs depend on the nature of the occurrence, attendance requirements, reporting scope, travel requirements and the complexity of the investigation.