Darragh O'Brien

The Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) was established within the Department of Transport from 1 January 2026, replacing the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) as the permanent body responsible for marine accident investigations.

Led by chief investigator David O’Driscoll, the MAIU will carry out marine safety investigations into accidents involving vessels in Irish waters, and Irish-flagged vessels anywhere in the world.

It will take over ongoing MCIB investigations.

The establishment of the MAIU follows an independent review in 2021 which recommended that marine casualty investigation in Ireland should transition from the current part-time set-up — relying on a panel of investigators — to a full-time approach.

The full-time approach is in line with best practice internationally, and mirrors existing practice in aviation and railway accident investigations in the State.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said: “The establishment of the MAIU marks a significant step forward in strengthening Ireland’s maritime safety framework.

“This dedicated unit will ensure that marine accident investigations continue to be carried out to the highest standards to help prevent similar accidents occurring in future.

“I would like to thank the MCIB, its Board, its investigators and its staff members for the valuable work they carried out during their tenure. The new unit will build on the important contribution they have made.”

Seán Canney, minister of state with responsibility for international and road transport, logistics, rail and ports, added: “The enactment of the legislation that allowed for the establishment of the MAIU is a commitment in the programme for government, and shows our focus on enhancing Ireland’s maritime safety regime, particularly in marine accident investigation.”

The new unit was established under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Act 2025.

The Act also dissolves the MCIB, repeals the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000, and revokes the European Communities (Merchant Shipping) (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations 2011.