Directive 2009/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector and amending Council Directive 1999/35/EC and Directive 2002/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

This directive sets out the core rules for investigating accidents within the maritime transport sector. Its primary goal is to improve maritime safety by identifying the causes of accidents and preventing their recurrence, rather than assigning blame or liability. Member States and maritime transport operators are affected by these standards. The rules ensure that accident investigations across the EU are conducted consistently and transparently to enhance safety at sea.