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: IIMS Safety Briefings Database
Here are around 20 of the most recent Safety Briefings:
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.
MAIB investigation into fatalities on board Berge Mawson
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a report into the deaths of three stevedores in a cargo hold access space on board the bulk carrier Berge Mawson
NTSB investigation after incorrect valve starts fatal fire
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board have released the results of a report after the installation of an incorrect valve in a pipe to a diesel oil tank led to a fatal fire aboard a cargo vessel docked in LaPorte, Texas.
Yacht & Small Craft Safety Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: IIMS Safety Briefings Database
Here are around 20 of the most recent Safety Briefings:
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 motor 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Australian operators with fixed gas LPG systems must be aware of appliances listed on the installation compliance plate
AMSA has released details of an investigation into an incident where the owner and their son were seriously injured in an explosion in the galley of their houseboat due to the stove ignitor igniting a gas leak.
Combustible materials near hot work led to fire is report finding
Combustible materials left unprotected near hot work led to a fire on the passenger vessel Natchez
Loss of lubrication supply to engines crankshaft journal bearings and crankpins leads to Wight Sky engine failures
MAIB has published its report on the two catastrophic engine failures on board ro-ro passenger ferry Wight Sky, one of which resulted in a fire.
Diamond Emblem 1 Report involving loss of life published by MAIB
A member of a family group on board the motor cruiser Diamond Emblem 1 fell overboard from the aft deck when the boat’s stern made hard contact against the embankment wall
Seadogz interim accident investigation report 2021 published by MAIB
High speed passenger craft Seadogz collided with the North-West Netley buoy in Southampton Water
Luxury yacht fire most likely caused by electrical fault says NTSB report
Fire that destroyed a luxury yacht near Key West in March 2021 most likely started from an electric source within the sound enclosure for the vessel’s starboard generators
Lack of personal flotation device led to skipper’s death
The failure by a skipper to wear a personal flotation device, harness and tether, caused his death
Outboard engine fire causes yacht to sink is finding in MCIB report
The report states that around 15 minutes after refuelling the outboard, the skipper saw flames coming from the outboard.
Workboat Safety Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: IIMS Safety Briefings Database
Here are around 20 of the most recent Safety Briefings:
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.
MAIB report issued into person overboard from creel fishing vessel with loss of life
Lone-operated creel fishing vessel Harriet J accidentally entered the water while shooting the fishing gear
MAIB report published into the death of one person overboard from stern trawler Copious
A deckhand fell overboard from the twin rig stern trawler Copious (LK 985)
RRS Sir David Attenborough lifeboat davit failure report issued
Port lifeboat from RRS Sir David Attenborough fell into the water while the crew were practising lifeboat drills
MAIB Report: Failure of a suspended buoy on workboat Annie E with one person injured
Deckhand on board the workboat Annie E was injured when he was struck by a grid buoy that had been lifted out of the water by the workboat’s forward crane
New Zealand regulators prosecutes RoRo operator for maintenance issues
Large inter-island ferry after the RoRo ferry Kaitaki, suffered a power failure
Engine room flooding leads to sinking of fishing vessel
Uncontrolled flooding through a hole in the plating beneath the engine room of a fishing vessel led to its sinking.
Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Crig-A-Tana
Potter Crig-A-Tana rapidly capsized and foundered
MAIB report into the fatal Eder Sands man overboard incident
A deckhand from the UK registered gill netter Eder Sands fell overboard while the vessel was shooting a net
Report: Collision between fishing vessel Kirkella and pusher tug Shovette
The crew of the UK registered fishing vessel Kirkella lost control of its propulsion system and the vessel collided with the unmanned tug
MERI crane collision and bridge damage in Kiel canal
Report on an accident involving the Finnish-flagged heavy-lift vessel MERI while transporting a mobile harbour crane
TSB concerned about Canada’s marine emergency preparedness following investigation into a fire aboard container vessel ZIM Kingston
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) issued two safety concerns following the 2021 loss of containers and fire on board the container vessel ZIM Kingston
Grounding of Bulk Carrier John J Boland in Michigan Due to Inadequate Clearance Guidance says NTSB
Inadequate operating company guidance on underkeel clearance led to the April 2023 grounding of a bulk carrier in Lake Huron
Offshore Safety Briefings
Click to download the central IIMS Safety Briefings Database in Excel Format, a compilation of hundreds of safety reports: IIMS Safety Briefings Database
Here are the most recent Safety Briefings:
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.
Read the story in full
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).
US Coast Guard issues final report on fatal liftboat capsizing
Capsizing of the liftboat Seacor Power in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident claimed the lives of 13 people.
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: IIMS Safety Briefings Database
UK MAIB Safety Digest April 2024 published
UK MAIB Safety Digest October 2024 published
MAIB publishes its latest safety digest 2/2021
Downloadable MAIB Spring 2021 Safety Digest of accident reports published
MAIB Safety Digest lessons from marine accident reports October 2020 published
MAIB publish latest Safety Digest
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 24 investigations and case studies
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies
MAIB Safety Digest featuring the findings of 25 investigations and case studies