Course description
This course focuses on the fundamental skills required by an accident investigator, and draws upon the experiences of the air, marine and rail transport industries to give a balanced view of the accident investigation process.
The course structure has been developed in close collaboration with the accident investigation community and with the endorsement of the Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre's Industry Advisory Board.
This practical course benefits from significant participation by members of the UK Air, Marine and Rail Accident Investigation Branches, and brings together the considerable expertise and experience of investigators, operators and researchers to deliver a level of training that is second to none.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
The course is designed for those who may have to conduct, or participate in, an accident investigation. This may be in the role of official state investigator, or as a representative of a manufacturer, operator or service provider. Although the main focus of the course is the civil transport industry, there is also considerable value for military personnel and there is always a significant military presence on the course.
All lectures and workshops will be in English and due to the intensity of the course those without a thorough knowledge of English would be at a severe disadvantage. There are no formal qualifications for entry, but course numbers are limited and courses are usually oversubscribed.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you will learn
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe the accident investigation process for a transport accident, including elements of preparation, emergency response, evidence collection and analysis, report writing and safety recommendations.
- Work safely under supervision at an accident site.
- Conduct witness interviews and collect material evidence from a variety of relevant sources.
- Perform an analysis of evidence to develop a no-blame report of what occurred and recommendations for future preventions.
- Critically assess strategies for working alongside interested parties including emergency services, legal services, pathologist, scientific support, news media, families and regulatory authorities.
Training Course Content
Core content
- Legislation and Regulation
- Appraisal of the Accident Site
- Disaster Response
- Recovery of Wreckage
- Collection of Evidence
- Accident Photography
- Hazards Management On Site
- Wreckage Recovery
- Interviewing Techniques
- Structures and Crashworthiness
- Human Factors for Investigators
- Media Management
- Accident Pathology
- Data recorders and their Analysis
- Analytical Techniques
- Systemic Approach to Investigation
- Managing Investigations
- Liaising with Victims and their Families
- Relations with the Regulator / Interested Parties
- Developing and Managing Recommendations
- Report Writing
- Follow-up Actions
- Court Procedures for Investigators
Course delivery details
Course structure
The course features lectures, tutorials and practical training, including a 3-day simulation of a transport accident investigation. The theory is brought to life through case study investigations and hands-on exercises. All delegates will complete a series of assessment tasks throughout the course and receive feedback.
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Cranfield University
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