A regional train-the-trainer course in Limassol, Cyprus (26-30 May) has provided participants from eight countries with new skills for marine casualty investigation.
The Regional Train-The-Trainers Course on Casualty Investigation Code and Reporting, for eight countries, covered the main and key elements of the role of marine casualty investigator, complemented with input designed for trainers/facilitators.
The 17 participants represented Jordan, Montenegro, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Cyprus, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. They are preparing to lead training in maritime casualty investigation and are developing their knowledge and skills as trainers.
The course was organized by IMO, in cooperation with the Marine Accident Investigation Committee of the Republic of Cyprus.
The comprehensive course has been developed in partnership with the Marine Accident Investigation International Forum (MAIIF) and the World Maritime University (WMU), taking into consideration the outcome of IMO Member States Audit Scheme. The course aims at increasing the casualty investigation capacity in the region with a view to improving the rate of investigation and reporting into marine casualties and incidents as well as highlighting importance of cooperation at regional level. IMO is committed to self-sustainability by supporting Member States in training their own investigator(s).
Under the provisions of IMO instruments, a flag State has an obligation to investigate a very serious marine casualty and others, as defined by the relevant conventions, occurring to any of its ships and to report its findings to IMO through the GISIS database. The objective of such an investigation is to assist in determining what changes in the present regulations may be desirable and what remedial actions should be taken to enhance the safety of seafarers and passengers and the protection of the marine environment.