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Marine Accident Investigation Branch
OrganisationGB

Marine Accident Investigation Branch

UK statutory investigator of marine accidents, including those involving uncrewed surface vessels.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch refreshed its investigations register on 6 August 2026, four days before Chinese-made cameras were reported on Royal Navy uncrewed vessels; both open uncrewed-vessel cases on the register date from September 2025.

Last refreshed: 12 August 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Does Britain's marine accident investigator have any uncrewed-vessel cases open right now?

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Background

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is the UK's statutory investigator of marine accidents, with a REMIT that extends to uncrewed surface vessels. It keeps a public register of open investigations.

As of its 6 August 2026 refresh, The Register carried two uncrewed-vessel cases, both dating from September 2025. The Ministry of Defence has treated the K3 SCOUT camera fault reported days later as a cyber vulnerability finding rather than a marine accident, which is why it does not appear on the MAIB's register.

Common Questions
What does the Marine Accident Investigation Branch do?
It investigates accidents involving UK vessels. Its investigations register, refreshed on 6 August 2026, carried no case for the K3 SCOUT camera fault.Source: MAIB
Did the MAIB investigate the K3 SCOUT camera fault?
No. The Ministry of Defence treated it as a cyber vulnerability finding rather than a marine accident, and it does not appear on the MAIB's register.Source: MAIB
How many uncrewed-vessel cases does the MAIB have open?
Two, both dated to September 2025, as of The Register's 6 August 2026 refresh.Source: MAIB