Safety Briefings
A collection of useful links that include Ship Safety Briefings, Offshore Safety Briefings and Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Safety Digest Briefings.
- Commercial Ship Safety Briefings
- Yacht & Small Craft Safety Briefings
- Workboat Safety Briefings
- Offshore Safety Briefings
- Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Safety Digest Briefings
Commercial Ship Safety Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: Main Safety Briefing Database
Component failure cause of BBC Africa collision according to NTSB
The US National Transportation Safety Board has said a steering control system component failure on a multi-purpose carrier was the cause of a collision with a bulk carrier in the Houston Ship Channel.
M/V Wakashio Court Investigation: The ship could have been towed away during the first week
The tragic event caused immense environmental damage in and around the Mauritius area. Five years on, and the Court of Investigation has now issued its report into the grounding of M/V Wakashio which ran aground off Mauritius on 25 July 2020, spilling about 1,000 tons of fuel oil.
Cuyahoga engine room fire report by Canada TSB
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has published its investigation report into the engine room fire onboard the bulk carrier Cuyahoga that occurred in May 2023.
RMI Maritime Administrator report reveals reason for fatal fall on bulk carrier Asteris
The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has concluded an investigation after a sailor fell and died on board bulk carrier Asteris.
TSB Canada report shows detector false alarm contributed to Heemskerkgracht grounding
Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report into the 2024 grounding of the general cargo vessel Heemskerkgracht in the South Shore Canal of the St. Lawrence Seaway off Kahnawake, Quebec.
Hong Kong SAR lessons learned on enclosed space death
The Marine Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has shown the results of an investigation into a death in an enclosed space on cargo ship Seren last year.
BSU lessons learned after loss of steering caused ships to collide
The German BSU has shared lessons learned following two ships collided on a canal after loss of steering.
UK MAIB report into engine room fire on Finnmaster published
At 2013 on 19 September 2021, a fire broke out in the auxiliary engine room on the Finland registered roll-on/roll-off cargo ship Finnmaster during departure from Hull, England.
China MSA releases report into explosion onboard the YM Mobility
On 9 August 2024, a major explosion occurred aboard the container vessel YM Mobility at the Beilun Second Container Terminal in Ningbo-Zhoushan, China.
Achilles Bulker rudder broke off near Tarunga nearly runs aground
On 24 July 2023, the fully loaded Achilles Bulker was under pilotage outbound from the Port of Tauranga. Shortly after clearing the harbour entrance, the ship’s heading began to swing to port and deviate from its intended track in the centre of the channel
BMA investigation of capsizing of Master Ru, four presumed dead
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published a report into the investigation of a Ro-Pax vessel, master Ru, which capsized and sank in The Bahamas in 2024.
Investigation report after crewmembers falls to death on Yuka D
Transport Malta has released a report into a fatality on board bulk carrier Yuka D while it was at anchor off Paradip, India on 22 May 2024.
TAIC warns against deferring ship maintenance after Shiling accident
The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission has warned against deferred ship maintenance after a ship lost control containership Shiling lost control at Wellington Harbour on 15 April 2023.
Investigation report released into Fremantle Highway disaster
conclusion of the Dutch Safety Board in its investigation of the emergency response to the fire that broke out on board the car carrier Fremantle Highway during the night of 25 to 26 July 2023.
BSU report into Endurance collision with pier
The German Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) has released its report into the collision with a pier/dry dock by the car carrier Endurance due to broken lines in Bremerhaven on 13 March 2021.
MAIB publishes interim report on North Sea collision
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released an interim report on the fatal North Sea collision between the container ship Solong and the oil/chemical tanker Stena Immaculate.
MAIB report after two people died in boat accident in Anguilla
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a report into the double fatality and subsequent loss of a small commercial vessel Calypso 2 in Anguilla in 2023.
NTSB recommends improving preparedness of land-based firefighters to vessel fires
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that land-based firefighters be better prepared for marine vessel firefighting following a fatal fire on the Con-Ro vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio in Newark, New Jersey, on 5 July 2023.
Investigators publish report on 2024 containership blast in China’s Ningbo Port
The China Maritime Safety Administration (CMSA) has published a report on its investigation into the explosion and subsequent fire on the Taiwanese-owned container vessel YM Mobility at China’s Ningbo Port on 9 August 2024.
NTSB report on Ocean Navigator engine failure
Debris in an engine’s lube oil system led to a diesel engine failure and an engine room fire aboard a passenger vessel docked in Portland, Maine, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said.
Canadian transport investigation report into fire on board fishing vessel Elite Navigator
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has published the results into an investigation into the fire and sinking of fishing vessel Elite Navigator.
Yacht & Small Craft Safety Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: Main Safety Briefing Database
NTSB report says lithium-ion battery bank cause of yacht fire
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said in a report that inoperable battery management systems was the probable cause of a fire on yacht Flagship last year.
Rotten wood and poor inspection regime caued histori Maine Schooner demasting
Demasting of a historic schooner, blaming the catastrophic incident on rotten wood that had gone unnoticed for years due to poor inspections.
Lundy Explorer report published by MAIB
A passenger sitting in a jockey seat in the front of the RIB, where the highest shock loads were experienced, was dislodged from their seat and suffered a fracture of their spinal column that resulted in permanent paralysis.
NTSB investigation unto grounding of barge Cordova Provider
On January 11, 2025, at 0250 local time, the integrated tug and barge Krystal Sea/Cordova Provider was transiting Prince William Sound when the four lines connecting the tug to the barge parted, causing the barge to uncouple from the tug.
MAIB issues interim report on the sinking of the Bayesian
The UK-based Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report is the first official such document to be published into the sinking of the Bayesian which resulted in seven deaths off Sicily, including that of the yacht’s owner Mike Lynch, and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah in August 2024.
MAIB investigation into death onboard yacht Baton Rouge
On the morning of 23 February 2024, the chief engineer on the Isle of Man registered motor yacht Baton Rouge was electrocuted while working on the engine room ventilation system. The chief engineer was replacing a damper actuator, which was situated in a ventilation overpressure duct compartment. The chief engineer’s heart could not be restarted, and he was pronounced dead later that morning.
Maritime New Zealand report highlights recreational boating accidents between 2015 and 2020
This report is intended to give an overview of fatal recreational boating accidents between the beginning of 2015 and the end of 2020, and to provide additional insight into a number of key characteristics and identified patterns.
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MAIB: Lack of boating experience was a factor when the Norma G boat capsized leading to fatality
MAIB have issued a report on the incident involving Norma G. On 25 May 2020, a family were enjoying a day out on the water in the Camel Estuary, Cornwall, on their 5.4m motor cruiser Norma G. The boat was capsized by a large wave close to the Doom Bar.
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Report on fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard motor cruiser Diversion published by MAIB
The MAIB has released a report on fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard the motor cruiser Diversion. At about 2000 on 4 December 2019, the bodies of two men were discovered in the cabin of the privately owned motor cruiser Diversion, which was moored to a quay in the centre of York, England.
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Investigation report into collision between motor yachts Minx and Vision published by MAIB
MAIB has published a report on the investigation into collision between motor yachts Minx and Vision. In the evening on 25 May 2019, the Gibraltar registered motor yacht Vision collided with the UK registered motor yacht Minx, which was anchored at Île Sainte-Marguerite, near Cannes, France.
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MAIB report published about capsize and full inversion of self-righting keelboat RS Venture Connect
MAIB has published a report about the capsize and full inversion of self-righting keelboat RS Venture Connect. On 12 June 2019, Blackwell Sailing’s self-righting RS Venture Connect keelboat sail number 307 (RSVC 307) suffered a capsize and full inversion while sailing on Windermere, England. The boat was crewed by an experienced disabled sailor at the helm and a local sailing instructor who was acting as crewman.
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Capsize of liftboat linked to inadequate preload procedure reveals NTSB report
NTSB issued An accident report has been issues by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on the overturning of lift-boat Kristin Faye while working alongside a platform in the Gulf of Mexico, in September 2019. The report identified the company’s inadequate preload procedure as key cause of the incident.
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Dixie Delight: Report published into Alabama boat and marina fire which killed eight people
NTSB has published its investigation report on the fire and explosion aboard houseboat Dixie Delight which spread through Jackson County Park Marina, Alabama, in January 2020, killing eight people
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Red Falcon: Report on collision between ro-ro passenger ferry moored yacht at Cowes published
MAIB release report on the ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon which lost orientation swinging out of control before colliding with the moored yacht Greylag.
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NTSB report calls USCG to follow its recommendations on duck boat sinking
NTSB publishes report after 17 of the 31 persons aboard the Stretch Duck 7 died when the amphibious passenger vessel (APV) sank during a high-wind storm that developed rapidly on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri.
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MAIB report into keel failure and capsize of charter yacht Tyger of London
Tyger of London was being crewed by four paying passengers when they heard a loud bang. Tyger of London immediately heeled to starboard, capsized and inverted.
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MAIB report into the fatal sinking of Nancy Glen recommends a regular review of small fishing vessels’ stability
Nancy Glen was trawling at the time of the accident and the combined effect of a turn to starboard at the same time as the starboard net filling with mud caused the vessel to rapidly heel to starboard, then capsize. A safety recommendation has been made to the MCA to ensure that the stability of all fishing vessels under 15m is assessed and regularly reviewed.
Download the report
NTSB publishes its official report on Island Lady fire off Florida
The NTSB has released the official investigation report on the fire onboard the small passenger vessel ‘Island Lady’ on the Pithlachascotee River, near Port Richey, Florida. NTSB held a public meeting in mid-December where it identified insufficient preventative maintenance program and lack of guidance for responding to engine high-temperature conditions.
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MAIB report into carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser Vasquez
At approximately 1200 on 12 November 2016, the owner of the 7.75m motor cruiser Vasquez fell unconscious after being overcome by carbon monoxide (CO) that had been emitted from failed rubber bellows that formed part of the inboard engine’s wet-exhaust system.
Download the report
Workboat Safety Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: Main Safety Briefing Database
Jean Elaine, dive support vessel not certified for operation, says MAIB report
A dive support vessel, Jean Elaine, which grounded in the Scotland in 2024 was not certified for operation at the time of the accident said a report published by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
TSB Canada: Overloaded barge led to crewmember and cargo overboard
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has published its investigation report into a overloaded barge which led to a crewmember and cargo overboard in Frobisher Bay, Nunavut in 2023 due to and overloaded barge.
TSB says cracked exhaust silencer cause of fishing vessel fire
A 30cm crack along the main engine exhaust silencer led to a fire on board scallop fishing vessel Fundy Leader, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
NTSB highlights fire dector placement after Tarka II
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highlighted effective placement of smoke and fire detectors following its investigation of a fire aboard a fishing vessel, Tarka II, last year near Tatoosh Island, Washington.
NTSB report on fire on board towing vessel Johnny M
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said a catastrophic engine failure led to a fire aboard a towing vessel, Johnny M, on the Tennessee River last year.
Safety alert issued following explosion and fire aboard liftboat
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has issued a safety alert regarding an incident where an explosion and fire aboard a liftboat injured workers.
TAIC publishes report into five fatalities after i-Catcher capsized
The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) after five people died when the i-Catcher, fishing vessel, capsized off the coast of Goose Bay on 10 September 2022.
NTSB reccomends risk assessments after Key bridge collapse
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that 30 owners of 68 bridges across 19 states conduct a vulnerability assessment to determine the risk of bridge collapse from a vessel collision after the Key Bridge collapse.
NTSB investigation into fire on fishing vessel Three Girls
The failure of a component on the hydraulic system for on-deck fishing equipment likely led to a fire aboard a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Maine, according to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
MAIB report into fire on board ro-ro ferry
At 21:15 on 11 February 2023, a fire broke out in the engine room of the roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Stena Europe while on passage from Rosslare, Ireland, to Fishguard, Wales.
Failure of diesel generator caused engine room fire onboard Master Dylan
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released an accident report focusing on the engine room fire aboard fishing vessel Master Dylan.
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MAIB report into immobilisation and flooding of dredger Shearwater following repeated collisions published
MAIB issue report on the UK registered dredger Shearwater – immobilised after its propeller shafts were fouled by a towline being used to tow the barge Agem One. The dredger and barge collided with each other repeatedly resulting in Shearwater being holed and flooded, before the towline parted and Agem One drifted away. There was no pollution or injury.
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Investigation makes seven safety recommendations after Scandies Rose sinking
NTSB has issued seven safety recommendations after the fatal sinking of the fishing vessel Scandies Rose in December 2019.
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Report issued by MAIB on fatal crush incident during transfer from workboat Beinn Na Caillich to a feed barge
The MAIB have issued a report into the fatal crush incident involving workboat Beinn Na Caillich. At about 1510 on 18 February 2020, the Ardintoul fish farm assistant manager drowned after falling into the water from a feed barge access ladder during a boat transfer. He stepped from the deck onto the ladder while Beinn Na Caillich was still moving forward and was crushed between the boat and the barge.
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Med Tuncer: Fire in enclosed lifeboat while testing batteries report issued
Transport Malta has published an investigation report on the fire on a lifeboat while carrying out tests onboard the Maltese-flagged tanker Med Tuncer in May 2020. The investigation identified a very high short circuit current within the batteries as a probable cause of the incident.
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Flooding and sinking of trawler Ocean Quest report published
MAIB have published their report on the flooding and sinking of trawler Ocean Quest. On 18 August 2019 and about 70 miles north-east of Fraserburgh, the UK registered trawler Ocean Quest, sank as a result of an engine room flood.
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Flooding of towing vessel caused by a lack of monitoring
NTSB has published an investigation report on the flooding of the towing vessel ‘Alton St Amant’ while moored in the Harvey Canal in New Orleans. The incident resulted in an oil discharge into the water. The investigation identified lack of pre-inspection and monitoring procedures for water transfer as a key cause of the incident.
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Report reveals fire on Finlandia Seaways ro-ro cargo vessel caused by catastrophic main engine failure
Ro-ro cargo vessel Finlandia Seaways suffered a catastrophic main engine failure that caused serious structural damage to the engine and a fire in the engine room. The vessel’s third engineer, who was on duty in the engine room at the time, suffered serious smoke-related lung, kidney and eye injuries during his escape.
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Engine failure caused fire on another towing vessel says NTSB report
NTSB has released an investigation report on the engine room fire aboard the towing vessel City of Cleveland on the Lower Mississippi River in February 2020. The investigation has identified that catastrophic engine failure caused fire along with crankcase breach of the port main engine.
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NTSB accident report concludes that incomplete safety procedures led to barge explosion
NTSB has published Marine Accident Report 20-34 detailing the findings of its investigation involving the explosion of a barge at the Illinois Marine Towing Heritage Slip on the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal, Illinois on the 4 November 2019.
Download the report
Offshore Safety Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: Main Safety Briefing Database
RMI Maritime Authority investigation into enclosed spaces deaths
The Motorman, who was kneeling on the deck plates while holding onto the 2/E No. 1’s coveralls, fell through the open access hatch into the BWT. The third-party Electrician immediately informed crewmembers who were in the Engine Control Room and the alarm was raised.
NTSB report: Liftboat overturns due to inadequate information about seafloor composition
US National Transportation Safety Board published its report on the liftboat Ram XVIII, that overturned in the Gulf of Mexico. The report revealed the overturn was due to inadequate information about seafloor composition.
Download the full report
USCG publishes a safety alert after three confined space fatalities on a MODU
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has issued an important Safety Alert on the dangers of confined space entry following a recent incident where three people were asphyxiated in a confined space on a drilling rig (MODU).
Read the safety alert
A safety alert issued by BSEE following inspections and findings from fired vessels
US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has issued a safety alert summarizing its findings and recommendations following a number of recent risk-based inspections. BSEE’s team of inspectors and engineers developed several recommendations from inspection findings to reduce the risks associated with fired vessels; hydrocarbon processing vessels on offshore oil and gas facilities with self-contained, natural or forced draft burners.
Download the safety alert
Stainless steel bolts at offshore facility fail due to corrosion cracking
The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) published an alert regarding an unexpected failure of certain kinds of strain-hardened Type 304 stainless steel bolts. The failure happened at an offshore facility during a pneumatic leak test of gas piping exiting a test separator.
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MAIB report: Man overboard from potting vessel Pioneer with loss of 1 life
Skipper accidentally entered the water with the deckhand unable to pull him back on board. After rescue by helicopter, he was unable to be revived
MAIB issues safety bulletin after fishing vessel Argos Georgia sinks leaving 13 dead
The vessel foundered while on passage from Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands to fishing grounds near the island of South Georgia. Of the 27 persons people on board, 13 perished
Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Safety Digest Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: Main Safety Briefing Database
MAIB publishes its latest safety digest 2/2021
Published October 2021
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Downloadable MAIB Spring 2021 Safety Digest of accident reports published
Published April 2021
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MAIB Safety Digest lessons from marine accident reports October 2020 published
Published October 2020
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MAIB publish latest Safety Digest
Published April 2020
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
Published October 2019
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
Published April 2019
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 24 investigations and case studies
Published October 2018
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
Published April 2018
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
Published October 2017
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
Published April 2017
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
Published October 2016
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MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
Published April 2016
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