LICQual Award in Maritime Accident Investigation

LICQual Award in Maritime Accident Investigation

Maritime Accident Investigation

The LICQual Award in Maritime Accident Investigation equips learners with advanced knowledge and skills to investigate maritime accidents systematically and effectively. This course provides learners with a structured framework for assessing accident causation, collecting evidence, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective measures to enhance maritime safety.

Learners gain expertise in maritime regulations, hazard identification, data gathering, and report writing, ensuring investigations are thorough, accurate, and compliant with international standards. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical exercises, learners apply investigative techniques to real-world maritime scenarios, developing strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.

The course also covers legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations, enabling learners to produce professional, actionable reports that support risk mitigation and operational improvements. Completing the LICQual Award in Maritime Accident Investigation ensures that learners are competent, confident, and capable of leading investigations, improving maritime safety, and preventing future incidents in complex marine environments.

Course Overview


Qualification Title

LICQual Award in Maritime Accident Investigation


Total Units

6

Total Credits

6

GLH

12

Qualification #

LICQ2200063


Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Award in Maritime Accident Investigation, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: Applicants should have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience: A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in the maritime industry is recommended.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English language.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200063-1

Introduction to Maritime Accident Investigation

1

2

LICQ2200063-2

Maritime Accident Causation and Risk Assessment

1

2

LICQ2200063-3

Data Collection and Evidence Gathering in Maritime Accident Investigations

1

2

LICQ2200063-4

Investigative Methodologies and Root Cause Analysis

1

2

LICQ2200063-5

Report Writing and Documentation of Findings

1

2

LICQ2200063-6

Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Considerations in Maritime Accident Investigations

1

2

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Introduction to Maritime Accident Investigation

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the core principles and processes involved in maritime accident investigations.
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including investigators, regulatory bodies, and maritime operators.
  • Apply knowledge of international maritime conventions and regulations, such as SOLAS and ISM Code, in the context of accident investigations.

2. Maritime Accident Causation and Risk Assessment

  • Analyze maritime accident causation theories, including human error, mechanical failure, and environmental influences.
  • Conduct risk assessments specific to maritime operations, identifying hazards and developing strategies to mitigate risks.
  • Evaluate the role of safety management systems (SMS) in preventing accidents and ensuring safety compliance within maritime industries.

3. Data Collection and Evidence Gathering in Maritime Accident Investigations

  • Apply best practices for collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence at accident sites to maintain data integrity.
  • Analyze and interpret critical evidence from various sources, such as voyage data recorders (VDR), ship’s logs, and maintenance records.
  • Conduct interviews with witnesses, crew members, and stakeholders, gathering relevant information to support the investigation process.

4. Investigative Methodologies and Root Cause Analysis

  • Utilize investigative methodologies like Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Fishbone Diagrams to identify primary and contributing causes of maritime accidents.
  • Demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate the sequence of events leading to maritime incidents and propose corrective actions.
  • Apply investigative techniques to analyze complex maritime accident scenarios, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive understanding of underlying causes.

5. Report Writing and Documentation of Findings

  • Write clear, concise, and comprehensive investigation reports that effectively communicate findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Structure reports in a way that is accessible to different stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry professionals, and the public.
  • Ensure reports are legally compliant and meet industry standards, incorporating technical details and recommendations for preventing similar incidents.

6. Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Considerations in Maritime Accident Investigations

  • Understand and apply legal frameworks governing maritime accident investigations, including international conventions and national regulations.
  • Recognize the ethical responsibilities involved in conducting unbiased and transparent investigations while ensuring confidentiality and fairness.
  • Navigate the regulatory environment and ensure compliance with maritime safety standards, protecting the interests of all parties involved in the investigation process.

This diploma is ideal for:

  • Maritime safety officers and safety managers aiming to enhance their skills in investigating and analyzing maritime accidents.
  • Ship crew members, marine engineers, and port operations personnel who want to understand the full investigative process and improve safety practices.
  • Risk managers and compliance officers within the maritime industry looking to gain expertise in accident prevention, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Maritime investigators, regulators, and auditors who are responsible for ensuring adherence to safety standards and conducting thorough investigations.
  • Maritime insurance professionals who wish to better understand the investigation process to assess risk and manage claims.
  • Emergency responders and incident management teams involved in responding to maritime accidents and coordinating investigation efforts.
  • Maritime students and graduates seeking to pursue a career in maritime safety, accident investigation, or maritime law.
  • Consultants and industry professionals in shipping, logistics, and transport who need to understand investigative methodologies and compliance requirements in the maritime sector.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.