5 FATAL CRASH LESSONS
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has made a series of safety recommendations for high-speed passenger craft in its final report into the fatal crash of the Seadogz trip boat in 2020.
The Seadogz RIB collided with a channel marker buoy at an estimated impact speed of more than 30 knots. The buoy was knocked down, throwing the 11 passengers violently forward, in many cases into the back of the seat in front of them. Most sustained serious injuries and two ended up in the water. Tragically, Emily Lewis, a 15-year-old girl aboard, did not survive her injuries.
The MAIB made a number of key recommendations to both the operators of these boats and the companies that design and build them. They can be summarised as follows:
■ Operators of small high-speed commercial craft need to have a safety strategy for staff training and regular risk assessments.
■ Consideration should be given to the Voluntary Code of Practice for small highspeed craft that’s on the RYA’S website. The Sport & Pleasure Vessel Code should be published as soon as possible.
■ Travelling at such speeds means any lapses in concentration can be critical and positional awareness can easily be compromised.
■ Speeds should be appropriate and safe.
■ A clear view from the helm is essential for drivers in these situations. Factors such as the trim of the boat and the location of passengers should be considered.
■ More should be done to protect passengers in the event of a rapid deceleration, especially as regards the suitability of seating, handholds and restraints. These factors should be taken into account by boat builders and designers, and consideration should be given to modifying existing craft.
■ Lookout crew should also be considered.
The full report is available at https://www.gov.uk/ government/news/seadogz-report-published