A week-long meeting (25 August – 2 September) to foster cooperation and communication between international marine accident investigators has opened in Hamburg.

The meeting will examine the skills and tools necessary to carry out marine safety investigations and encourage participants to share lessons learned from the many investigations carried out over the years. Topics of discussion include: safety on passenger cruise vessels; challenges associated with very large container vessels (VLCVs); best practice developments in accident investigation; bridge communications; and, man-machine interface.

With such a variety of topics, participants will gain an invaluable opportunity to keep abreast of developments in the field of safety investigation. 

Ashok Mahapatra, Director of IMO’s Maritime Safety Division, delivered a keynote address to some 60 members representing 35 national marine investigation organizations. The meeting "which is also celebrating its 25th year" is being hosted by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.