Marine Accident Investigator

Talent; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

TAIC is seeking a Marine Accident Investigator based in Wellington. You will be deployed to marine accident sites, with an Investigator in Charge, to manage site examinations and evidence gathering. Back in the office you’ll draft in-depth investigation reports and safety recommendations for consideration by the Commission.

The role is Wellington-based in TAIC’s central city office. You’ll apply maritime expertise to support broader transport safety investigations and professional development.

Qualifications

• Extensive maritime experience.
• Academic qualifications in naval architecture, marine engineering or related field.
• Strong report writing, attention to detail, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Attend accident sites and manage evidence gathering with Investigator in Charge.
• Draft in-depth investigation reports, findings and safety recommendations.
• Carry out detailed analysis and research back in the office.
• Travel domestically as required.

Skills

Maritime experience

Report writing

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Time management

Education

Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering (related field)

Job description

Are you passionate about marine safety and keen to pursue an investigative career?

The role

We’re seeking an experienced marine specialist to join the team as a Marine Accident Investigator.

You’ll be deployed to marine accident sites, along with an Investigator in Charge, to manage and undertake a site examination and gather evidence. Back in the office you’ll carry out very detailed and thorough analysis and research as you draft your in‑depth investigation report, findings and recommendations, for consideration by the Commission.

The role is Wellington based in TAIC’s central city office.

About The Organisation

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is an independent Crown entity.

TAIC’s principal purpose is to determine the circumstances and causes of certain aviation, maritime and rail accidents and incidents, with a view to avoiding similar occurrences in the future, rather than to ascribe blame to any person.

About You

This role will require you to apply your expertise both at the accident site and at your desk, from site management and evidence gathering to researching, analysing and writing your highly detailed, in‑depth and robust investigation report and safety recommendations.

Qualifications

You’ll have extensive maritime experience, hold academic qualifications in naval architecture, marine engineering or another related field, and possess high level:

• Plain English report writing abilities
• Attention to detail
• Analytical and problem solving capabilities
• Verbal communication skills
• Stakeholder engagement skills
• Project and time management abilities.

Given you’ll attend accident sites, you will also need to be:

• Medically and physically fit – able to pass and maintain a medical certification
• Emotionally and psychologically mature to handle stressful and emotionally difficult situations
• Able to travel domestically at short notice.

Your work will involve a range of vessel types and accidents, and you’ll engage with a wide variety of stakeholders and subject matter experts. The work is incredibly interesting and engaging and you will be well supported and receive world class training and professional development.

Over time you’ll be able to apply your developed investigative skills to support other transport modal investigations too, further enhancing your experience and professional development. Your ongoing work will contribute to marine, rail and aviation safety, rather than ascribing blame.

Applications close Sunday 27 September 2026.