The UK has appointed Captain Andrew Moll its new chief inspector of marine accidents.
The department for transport said Moll is now the head of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
He has been the interim chief inspector since his predecessor, Steve Clinch, retired in June.
Moll joined MAIB in 2005 as a principal inspector, and assumed the post of deputy chief inspector of marine accidents in 2010.
He had previously spent 27 years as an officer in the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of captain.
He said: "I will build on the MAIB’s reputation for excellence in accident investigation, by ensuring that all investigations continue to meet the standards of rigour, objectivity and integrity for which the branch is widely acclaimed.
"By working closely with the industry and other stakeholders, while maintaining the essential independence of the branch, I will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of marine safety."
The job was advertised as paying around £107,000 ($145,000) per year for a 37-hour week.
