Other transport bodies
Accident investigation branches
The DfT has three accident investigation branches:
- Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) based at Farnborough
- Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) based at Southampton
- Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) based at Woking (shortly to move to Farnborough) and Derby.
Their central role is to investigate civil aviation, marine and rail accidents with the aims of improving safety and avoiding future accidents. Although the Director General ISE is responsible for oversight and management of the three branches, they have complete operational independence in carrying out accident investigations and making recommendations.
The main goal for the next three years, as in any year, is to maintain the branches’ high standards for the timely and thorough investigation of accidents, leading to recommendations which reduce the likelihood of a recurrence and improve air, marine and rail safety.
Although much of their work is mode-specific, the AIBs are taking several joint initiatives to help improve efficiency and effectiveness. This includes developing shared processes and training for common aspects of accident investigation and sharing technical facilities, equipment and expertise where practical. As part of this the southern branch of the RAIB will relocate alongside the AAIB later in 2012.
