UK Agency Issues RIB Safety Warning After Serious Passenger Injury

27th September 2023

Top-down image of a rigid inflatable boat, showing the forward seating positions

The MAIB’s investigation identified that there is a significantly higher risk of spinal fractures to people seated in the front area of RIBs, regardless of speed

The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has urged owners of small passenger vessels such as RIBs to review their operations and procedures in line with current safety guidance.

Its warning comes after an incident in June involving a RIB used on a sea safari, where a passenger suffered a spinal injury that left them paralysed from the waist down.

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.

The MAIB’s investigation identified that there is a significantly higher risk of spinal fractures to people seated in the front area of RIBs, regardless of speed.

MAIB’s findings also showed that seated individuals may have little or no understanding of boat movement or how to mitigate its effects.

The RYA website has more on the story HERE.

Published in Safety, RIBs

Published in Safety

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MAIB

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