Marine investigations: Uncovering the unseen in maritime incidents
- Workboats Consulting
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
In shipping, not every incident is straightforward. Groundings, collisions with semi-submerged objects, or machinery breakdowns often leave behind more questions than answers. This is where marine investigations and surveys come in. At Workboats Consulting, we have been called to untangle complex disputes years after incidents occurred. Our task is often to piece together scattered records, work without manuals, and make sense of human decisions that led to the incident.
Two investigations in particular reveal just how easily warning signs can be overlooked and why proper documentation and professional analysis are essential for safe vessel operations.
Investigating engines that failed twice
One vessel’s story began with repeated problems with its main engines. By the time we were appointed, three years had passed since the first breakdown, and several experts had already examined the case without reaching a conclusion. Our marine surveyor retraced the events and uncovered a series of contributing factors.
Engine alarms had been silenced but never investigated. Early signs of overload and thermal imbalance were ignored. When oil pressure was lost, the crew had attempted to restart the engine multiple times instead of identifying the cause, which resulted in severe internal damage. Maintenance companies also missed early indicators that the engine had already suffered damage. The absence of manuals for the aging machinery made even basic troubleshooting difficult and increased the risk of improper handling.
The investigation showed that the breakdowns were not isolated incidents. They were part of a chain of events shaped by insufficient documentation, lack of training, and failure to act on clear signs.
Investigating the cause of explosion in engine room
Another case involved a vessel that had just undergone a complete overhaul, including work on its petrol engine. Shortly after handover, while loading cargo alongside, an explosion occurred in the engine compartment.
Our investigation revealed that an exhaust ventilation system had been installed to remove petrol vapors, but no additional fresh air inlet had been added. The imbalance caused fumes to accumulate until they reached the right explosion concentration. A single spark ignited the fumes and triggered the explosion.
This incident highlighted how even a small oversight in design or compliance can quickly escalate into a serious accident.
Key findings from our marine investigations
Although all incidents from groundings and collisions to failed engines and explosions were very different in nature, and while a number of them were considered unforeseen, some of them reveal common lessons that apply across many of our marine surveys and investigations. The first is the importance of accurate documentation. When records are missing or incomplete, the real cause of an incident can remain hidden for years and disputes between parties only deepen. Training is another key factor. Alarm systems and restart procedures are only effective when the crew understands their meaning and knows how to respond appropriately. Both cases also underline the danger of dismissing early warnings. Whether it is a sign of overload, thermal imbalance or vapour accumulation, even the smallest anomaly must be taken seriously before it grows into a serious failure. Finally, compliance with standards and builder requirements cannot be treated treated as optional. Proper design, maintenance, and operational discipline are what ultimately prevent costly breakdowns and dangerous accidents.
What marine investigations give us?
Marine investigations are not about assigning blame. They are about clarity. Marine investigations help shipowners, insurers, and crews understand what truly happened and ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. At Workboats Consulting, we combine technical expertise with independent analysis. Every marine survey and investigation we conduct delivers insights that make shipping safer and more reliable.
Looking for an experienced partner to investigate marine incidents or marine surveys? Get in touch with us at hello@wbcons.ee, and let us help safeguard your projects or support with marine investigations.
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