Who should conduct incident investigations?

• A. The Master
• B. A trained professional
• C. The Chief Engineer
• D. The Safety Officer

Answer: (B)

Incidents should be investigated using a structured, evidence-based approach to uncover how and why they occurred and to prevent recurrence. A trained professional brings formal knowledge of investigation methods, how to collect and preserve evidence, how to interview witnesses without bias, and how to analyze data to identify root causes. This training helps ensure objectivity, credible findings, and a defensible report that leads to effective corrective actions. While leaders or engineers may contribute their expertise, lacking formal investigation training can lead to missed steps, biased conclusions, or poor documentation, which undermines both the quality of the investigation and regulatory compliance. The trained professional is best equipped to apply established techniques, document the process clearly, and produce actionable recommendations that improve safety and prevent future incidents.