Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced the establishment of the Marine Accident Investigation Unit, or MAIU.
As Afloat reported previously, from 1 January 2026, the MAIU replaces the Marine Casualty Investigation Board as Ireland’s permanent marine accident investigation authority.
The new unit will take over all ongoing MCIB investigations.
The MAIU will be led by Chief Investigator David O’Driscoll and staffed by a full-time team of investigators.
It will investigate accidents involving vessels in Irish waters and Irish-flagged vessels worldwide.
The move brings Ireland into line with international best practice and mirrors existing aviation and rail investigation models.
Announcing the change, Minister O’Brien said the unit strengthens the State’s maritime safety framework.
“This dedicated unit will ensure that marine accident investigations continue to be carried out to the highest standards,” he said.
He also thanked the MCIB board and staff for their work since its establishment.
Minister of State Seán Canney said the legislation fulfils a Programme for Government commitment.
“It shows our focus on enhancing Ireland’s maritime safety regime, particularly in marine accident investigation,” he said.
The MAIU is established under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Act 2025.
The Act dissolves the MCIB and repeals earlier legislation governing marine casualty investigations.
