The Marine Accident Investigation Branch: lessons for contemporary digital navigation with David C Robertson, Inspector of Marine Accidents, MAIB.

Following the great popularity of David's presentation at the May Solent and South Branch event, we are delighted to confirm that we will hold a webinar with David in November. This event is open to all - please register above and you will be sent the zoom joining information closer to the event.

David's talk provide an introduction to the work of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and some lessons for navigation at sea. Electronic charting has transformed navigation in ships, but accidents still happen. The MAIB will discuss some recent navigational case studies to identify some key challenges and highlight what we can learn.

After a youth filled with mucking about in rowing boats and sailing dinghies off the west coast of Scotland, David joined the Royal Navy in 1983. After a degree in Geology from St Andrews he joined HMS QUORN as navigation officer in time for the first Gulf war. Qualifying as a hydrographer in 1992 he served in a number of other ships before becoming the first hydrographer to successfully complete the Specialist Navigation Officer's course in 1997. After navigating HMS SCOTT out of build he commanded HMS LEDBURY from 1999-2000. After returning to HMS SCOTT as second in command for a further three years he undertook the Advanced Command and Staff course at Shrivenham and then commanded HMS ENTERPRISE until moving ashore in 2008.
 
He deployed to Libya 2012 to 2013 to help rebuild the Libyan Navy post-revolution before being selected to serve as the Hydrographer of the Navy, Captain of the Hydrographic Surveying Squadron and non-executive director at the UK Hydrographic Office 2013-2016. After a further tour as Defence Attaché to Libya and Tunisia (2018-2020) he retired from the Royal Navy to consult on conflict dynamics and maritime security. In 2021 the lure of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch became too much, and he joined the Department for Transport an inspector of marine accidents. David has subsequently deployed to several accident sites and led an increasing number of investigations.
 
Well-travelled across all the major oceans and seas, and with a passion for all things environmental, Libyan, Amazigh and Arabic he divides his time between the family home in S Wales and the fascinating day job based out of Southampton. He first joined the Royal Institute of Navigation in 1997 and maintains his memberships with the Hydrographic Society of UK and the Defence Surveyor’s Association.