MAIB: warning following a passenger injury during a RIB ride

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) on 15 September 2023 published a safety bulletin warning owners and operators of small commercial passenger vessels following a serious passenger injury during a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) ride.

MAIB urges the review of operations, risk assessments, and pre-departure briefings in line with current guidance to ensure passenger safety.

The bulletin, available via this link, contains details of what happened, initial findings and safety lessons.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, 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."

LINK TO THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE