Report a Marine Accident or Incident

This service allows mariners, vessel operators, and the public to quickly report any marine accident, incident, or unsafe practice that occurs within Virgin Islands waters or involves a Virgin Islands–registered vessel on an international voyage. Prompt reporting helps the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) secure evidence, begin investigations, and identify root causes to prevent future accidents.

Reports can be made through the 24-hour accident reporting line or by email, ensuring that MSIRA can respond and carry out its safety investigation without delay.

Accident Report Form

Marine Safety, Reporting and Investigation

What counts as a marine accident?

An accident is any undesired event connected to the operation of a ship that results in:

Loss or abandonment of the ship
Death, serious injury, or loss of a person from a ship
Stranding or disabling of a ship
Material damage to the ship, another ship, or a marine structure
Serious pollution

If such an event occurs, report it to MSIRA immediately so evidence is preserved and an investigation can begin.

Who should report?

Masters/skippers,
Vessel owners or managers,
The BVI Ports Authority,
The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority
Anyone directly involved in the vessel’s operation.

How to report a marine accident or incident

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Step 1: Make an Initial Notification

During working hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.):
Call (284) 468-2087
After hours (for serious accidents):
Call (284) 468-9035
By email:
Send details to MSIRA@gov.vg

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Step 2: Complete the Accident Report Form (ARF)

After your initial call, you will be asked to complete the Accident Report Form (ARF):

When completing the ARF, be prepared to include:

Your contact details (name, job role, company, phone, email)
Vessel details (name, type, flag state, IMO number, length, tonnage, etc.)
Occurrence details (date, time, location, sea state, weather, visibility, voyage segment, vessel operations at the time)
Consequences (damage, pollution, injuries, fatalities, missing persons)
Description of events leading to the occurrence and any recommended actions to prevent future accidents
The ARF must be completed electronically
If something is unknown, select ‘unknown’; if not applicable, type ‘n/a’.
Each accident or incident must be reported on a separate form.

Submit the completed form via email to MSIRA@gov.vg.

Essential Documents

Accident Report Form

Investigation Reports

Once the investigation is complete, MSIRA issues a report with findings and recommendations.
Stakeholders and affected parties have 30 days to review and provide feedback.
After final revisions, the report is published on the Government of the Virgin Islands website.
If the accident involved a death, the report is shared with the deceased person’s next of kin.

What Happens After You Report

The Chief Marine Accident Investigator collects evidence to assess the situation.
For serious incidents, a safety investigation begins immediately.
For less serious incidents, a Preliminary Examination may be carried out to determine whether a full investigation is needed.
A decision is usually made within two weeks, and all parties are informed.

Why Reporting Matters

Reporting accidents helps:

Prevent future incidents
Improve maritime safety standards
Protect lives, property, and the environment

Contact Information

Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority -

First Floor Cutlass Building
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands

Accident Reporting Lines:
Minor accidents/incidents reporting: 1(284) 468-2087
Serious accidents/incidents reporting: 1(284) 468-9305

Email: MSIRA@gov.vg