Job summary
We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities. �
Would you like to make a difference to safety at sea?
Are you an experienced professional within the Marine Industry?
If so, then this is the perfect role for you!
Job description
Based in Southampton, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is an independent organisation within the Department for Transport.� The Branch is responsible for investigating accidents and incidents involving UK vessels anywhere in the world, and any vessels within UK territorial waters, with the aim of improving the safety of life at sea and the avoidance of accidents in future. The Branch is not responsible for apportioning blame or liability, nor does it enforce laws or carry out prosecutions.
The MAIB comprises 39 specialist and administrative staff. Inspectors are divided into four teams each headed by a Principal Inspector.
As a Principal Inspector of Marine Accidents, you will be responsible for supervising a multi-disciplinary team of inspectors carrying out investigations into marine accidents. You will also be a member of the senior management team, contributing to the formulation of policy and the development of the Branch.
Responsibilities
1. Acting as duty co-ordinator and the Branch�s initial point of contact for out of hours accident notifications within a 4-week cycle; leading and managing a team of specialist accident investigators.
2. Deploying to accident sites, at short notice during duty weeks, to manage the more demanding investigations; this could include travel worldwide.
3. Directing the progress, conduct, and quality assurance of investigations, the development of recommendations, and overseeing production of the report.
4. Dealing with individuals and organisations involved in marine accidents in what can often be stressful situations.
5. Representing the Branch at industry fora.
6. Contributing to MAIB's wider management strategies.
For more information, please see the attached Role Profile.
Person specification
To thrive in this role, you will
7. Possess Senior Management experience at sea or ashore.
8. Have the confidence and technical background to enable you to tackle accident investigations involving vessels of all types.
9. Hold project management skills with a proven ability to plan and prioritise to meet challenging timescales in a dynamic environment.
10. The ability to be able to assess and analyse data from various sources, and able to recognise when external expertise is required to make progress.
11. Have strong leadership skills, with the ability to create strategies and plans, to give clear direction, and to motivate staff.
12. Have excellent written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to write clear, logical and persuasive reports.
Additional information
In accordance with current DfT requirements, a minimum of 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace, although requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another DfT workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance.�
Due to the nature of MAIB operations, the successful candidate may be exposed to information and material including imagery (video and photographs) which may be distressing.� They may also be required to speak with potentially traumatised accident victims, bereaved family members and witnesses. It is essential that candidates take these requirements into consideration before applying for the post.�
Applicants will be required to participate in a wellbeing and traumatic stress risk review and online personality questionnaire in advance of their formal assessment. This risk review is not a formal assessment and will not decide whether you progress to interview. The risk review will include a short questionnaire which is followed up by a short telephone call with a psychologist. Potential applicants are welcome to contact the MAIB for further information (contact point below).
Licences
Full UK Drivers Licence
Qualifications
Applicants must hold relevant industry experience utilising one of the qualifications listed below.
(This is taken to mean any of: experience in command or as the senior engineer afloat, or senior management in role ashore; industry experience as a naval architect; or experience as a marine accident investigator):
oSTCW 95 A-II/2 (Deck) Unlimited.
oSTCW Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 1 Certificate of Competency.
oSTCW III/2 (Engineering) Unlimited.
oChartered Engineer status as a Naval Architect.
oA Post-Graduate Certificate or higher in marine accident investigation.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
13. Delivering at Pace
14. Making Effective Decisions
15. Communicating and Influencing
16. Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
17. Written Communication - (Accident Investigation Competence)
18. Applying Expertise & Technology - (Accident Investigation Competence)
Benefits
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.�