Marine Investigator

Role overview

International Registries, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Marine Investigator to join the Republic of the Marshall Islands Investigations team in Hamburg, Germany. This position offers the chance to improve maritime safety by examining marine casualties, identifying why they occurred, and turning those findings into practical measures that strengthen safety across the industry.

In this role, you will work with a worldwide network of specialists to manage complex investigations, determine underlying causes, and help shape recommendations that support seafarers, vessels, and the marine environment.

What you will do

• Take charge of marine safety investigations for Marshall Islands-registered vessels from first response through final reporting.
• Travel to the scene when needed and provide direction, coordination, and leadership during investigations.
• Question witnesses and other relevant personnel to build clear, evidence-based conclusions.
• Review technical, operational, and human-factors information together with subject matter experts.
• Pinpoint root causes and convert them into focused, workable safety recommendations.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports that meet international requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Offer support, guidance, and oversight to on-scene investigators and other assisting staff.
• Work closely with stakeholders such as operators, senior decision-makers, and regulatory authorities.
• Share findings, trends, and lessons learned with varied audiences in a confident and credible manner.
• Track investigation timelines to ensure cases are completed efficiently and effectively.
• Keep up to date with changing maritime regulations and industry best practices.
• Spot recurring patterns and opportunities that can improve safety across the sector.

What the role offers

• A chance to influence maritime safety on a global scale rather than within one company alone.
• High exposure to senior industry figures and important stakeholders.
• Work that contributes directly to safer operations and the protection of life at sea and the marine environment.
• Challenging, multidisciplinary investigations involving technical, operational, and human elements.

What we are looking for

• Hands-on experience with marine safety or accident investigations, either leading them or supporting them.
• A strong foundation in marine operations, safety, or maritime regulation.
• Good knowledge of root-cause analysis and human/organizational factors.
• Proven ability to assess complex information and turn it into clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Experience writing strong technical reports or regulatory documents.
• Comfort and confidence when presenting findings to different stakeholder groups.

Preferred background

• Applicants from an accident investigation body will be viewed favorably.
• Senior sea-going experience such as Master or Chief Engineer, or a comparable operational leadership background, is highly valued.

Skills and attributes

• Sharp analytical thinking and good professional judgment.
• Ability to lead investigations and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Clear, concise, and persuasive communication.
• Self-driven, resilient, and able to operate independently under pressure.

Qualifications and practical experience

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent maritime experience.
• Additional education in marine casualty investigation is preferred.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Marine inspection, audit, or survey experience is helpful, though not essential.
• Strong familiarity with international maritime instruments, including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC, the ISM Code, and COLREGS.

Additional note

If you are motivated to understand the causes of marine casualties and, more importantly, how to prevent them, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to global maritime safety.