Mishap Investigations

To report a mishap to the Naval Safety Command, call 757-444-3520 (DSN 568) and press 1.

Safety Investigation Boards (SIB) and Aviation Mishap Boards (AMB) convene to determine causal factors and make internal recommendations to Navy and Marine Corps leadership to prevent similar mishaps in the future.

Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM) representatives are not sitting members of SIBs and AMBs, but rather serve as advisors to SIB and AMB senior members and board subject matter experts.

As the subject matter expert for mishap Investigations, the NAVSAFECOM provides trained investigators to provide support, advise and guide SIB and AMB members throughout the process to include compliance with the Navy Safety Investigation and Reporting Program.

SIBs and AMBs are convened under the Safety Investigation and Reporting Program (OPNAVINST 5102.1 (series) / MCO 5100.29 (series) and OPNAVINT 3750.6 (series)).

The primary purpose of a SIB or AMB Investigation is to make internal recommendations to Navy and Marine Corps leadership in order to prevent similar mishaps in the future. As such, Investigation reports and findings from SIBs and AMBs aren’t typically released to the public in order to preserve privileged safety information, the anonymity of the board members and interviewees, and the integrity of the investigation and improvement process.

Privileged safety information is covered by judicially recognized privilege, which protects the DoD’s need for the rapid and accurate assessment of mishap causes in order to prevent recurrence and maintain mission readiness.

Because this privilege creates restrictions on handling and releasing information in mishap investigation reports, the Commander, Naval Safety Command is the Department of the Navy’s sole release authority for privileged safety information.

Formal SIBs and AMBs are mandated by the Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps policy for all mishaps involving the following:

• All on duty Class A mishaps that occur on and off base (military or federal civilian).
• Military deaths that occur during or within one hour after completion of organized, command-sponsored physical training activities, regarding of pre-existing medical condition.
• When DoD property damage is expected to exceed $2,500,000.
• An on-duty injury where death or permanent total disability is likely to occur.
• Class A explosive mishaps.