Calls for safety changes after person left paralysed in RIB boating accident
A passenger on a sea safari rigid inflatable boat was injured in June at Ilfracombe
Owners and operators of small commercial passenger vessels are being strongly advised to 'urgently review their operations and risk assessments' after a rigid inflatable boat left someone paralysed from the waist downwards.
The recomendation has come from a Marine Accident Investigation Branch report, following the incident in Jume.
It found: "On 7 June 2023, a passenger on a sea safari rigid inflatable boat (RIB) suffered a spinal injury that left them paralysed from the waist downwards.
"Twelve passengers had boarded the RIB and, once it was clear of the jetty, the two crew gave them a safety briefing and instruction on the wearing of lifejackets.
"The RIB then proceeded out to sea and was increasing speed in choppy sea conditions when it encountered a steep-sided wave.
"The boat fell off the wave and slammed violently into the trough, dislodging the passenger from a seat at the forward end of the boat."
Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, said: “Passenger excursions on RIBs should be a pleasurable experience. This safety bulletin, prompted by a serious spinal injury to a passenger on a sea safari, highlights the risks to passengers seated toward the front of boats.
"Owners and operators of passenger excursions, especially on RIBs, should review their operations against established codes of practice and other guidance referred to in the safety bulletin. There should be specific mitigation measures in place to prevent injury to passengers seated in the front third of a boat’s length.”
The key safety issues identified were that 'there is a significantly higher risk of spinal fractures to people seated in the front area of RIBs, regardless of speed'.
The report also found: "Seated individuals may have little or no understanding of boat movement or how to mitigate its effects."
The report says 'owners and operators of small commercial passenger vessels are strongly advised to urgently review their operations and risk assessments, This review should assess and mitigate the risks associated with the requirement to seat passengers in the front area of a RIB and ensure that the risk assessment includes and addresses the variability of weather conditions and the ability of passengers'.
They should also : "Review their passenger pre-departure briefing and ensure that it includes a specific explanation of how to use the seat(s) and their associated handholds, including how to maintain the correct posture and stability to mitigate against injury."
A full investigation report into the accident on 7 June 2023 will be published at a later date.
In the UK, commercial RIBs carrying no more than 12 passengers to sea are certified to meet the standards set out in the SCV Code, but the conduct of operations and safety management are currently largely self-regulated.