The Truth About The MAIB

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is a name that crops up often in the wake of tragedies at sea. But who are these people, and what do they do? MBY investigates the investigators.

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What is the MAIB?

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is an independent unit within the Department for Transport responsible for investigating maritime incidents in much the same way as the Air Accident Investigation Branch does for flight disasters.

When and why was the MAIB formed?

The MAIB was formed in 1989 following the public enquiry into the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry disaster of 1987. Previously, serious maritime accidents were investigated by the organisation that became what is now the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the same body responsible for setting the rules and regulations in the first place. It was, in effect, ‘marking its own homework’. It was recognised that a separate body was required to provide an independent investigative source. The MAIB is therefore entirely separate from the MCA.

What is the purpose of the MAIB?