MAIB issues safety warning after serious injury on RIB

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released a safety warning regarding RIBs following a serious injury sustained on a RIB ride.

MAIB is the UK government organisation authorised to investigate all maritime accidents. According to the MAIB safety bulletin, a passenger on a sea safari rigid inflatable boat (RIB) on 7 June 2023 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.

MAIB highlights RIB safety issues

• There is a significantly higher risk of spinal fractures for people seated in the front area of RIBs, regardless of speed.
• Seated individuals may have little or no understanding of boat movement or how to mitigate its effects.

The MAIB issued a safety bulletin urging the review of operations, risk assessments and pre-departure briefings in line with current guidance to ensure passenger safety.

Chief inspector of marine accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, says: “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.”

Statement from the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents

Safety lessons

Owners and operators of small commercial passenger vessels are strongly advised to:

• Urgently review operations and risk assessments, referencing the guidance linked below to mitigate risks outlined in the safety bulletin.
• Review passenger pre-departure briefings and bring into line with current guidance.

An investigation report into the accident on 7 June 2023 will be published in due course. Details of the case are on the current investigations list.