Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

The Maritime Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) was established on 01.01.2006 based on IMO Resolution A.849(20) adopted on 27 Nov. 1997, Regulation 1406/2002 of the European Parliament and the Council establishing EMSA and Art.79 of Bulgarian Merchant Shipping Code (MSC). At present, the work of the unit is regulated by art. 79 of MSC, Ordinance 23 for reporting and investigation of accidents in the maritime spaces, Directive 2009/16/EC of the EP and of the Council establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector and Regulation (EU) No 1286/2011 of the EC adopting a common methodology for investigating marine casualties and incidents.

MAIU is a part of the Aircraft, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Directorate in the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications. It is independent of Maritime Administration Executive Agency and reports directly to the Minister.

The main functions of MAIU are:

1. Maintenance the system for reporting of the accidents;
2. Organization and supervision of the technical investigations on marine casualties and organizing the work of the committees established for the purpose;
3. Prepare and publish Final or Interim Report, or Interim Report for each year of conducted investigation in case it is not finalized for objective reasons;
4. Keep an archive of the investigations and maintain information database of maritime accidents.

The main objective is:

Based on the findings of the investigation, to issue, publish, and provide safety recommendations to all parties concerned.

THE PURPOSE OF THE INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF AN ACCIDENT IS NOT TO DETERMINE LIABILITY OR TO APPORTION BLAME, BUT TO FIND THE REASONS AND CAUSES FOR THE ACCIDENT AND TO ISSUE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIOS TO AVOID SUCH ACCIDENT IN THE FUTURE.

POINTS OF CONTACT:

Address for Correspondence:
Maritime Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU)

Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

9 Dyakon Ignatiy Str.
1000 Sofia
Republic of Bulgaria

Vasil Georgiev – Chief Inspector
Tel.: +359 2 9409335
E-mail: vgeorgiev@mtitc.government.bg

Georgi Denev – Chief Inspector
Tel.: +359 2 9409337
E-mail: gdenev@mtitc.government.bg

Mobiles for 24-hours occurrence reporting:
+359 882 644 977 - Georgi Denev
+359 884 807 947 - Vasil Georgiev