Marine accident investigation is the process of establishing the sequence of events that led to a maritime casualty. In the U.S., marine accident investigation training is provided by certified National Transportation Safety Board investigators.
NTSB training courses provide students with skills such as techniques to collect, examine and analyze data from engineering sources and deck operation to aid an accident investigation. Subjects offered in NTSB courses cover interviewing techniques, medical factors and the use of electronic data.
Training courses provided by the NTSB are available for academics for research purposes, people wishing to participate in NTSB maritime investigations and marine investigative personnel and safety officers. Completion of marine accident investigation training allows participants to assist in NTSB investigations and investigations through agencies around the world. Other marine accident investigation training courses are available from private companies, such as Croatia’s AdriaMare.
Training courses provided by the NTSB are completed on the Northern Virginia campus of George Washington University; course costs vary from $1,623 to $1,815 as of 2010. Private companies offering training courses provide studies lasting 18 hours, with time split between classroom and practical activities.
