The MAIBs report of the collision between the rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) Osprey and Osprey II resulting in serious injuries to one passenger in the Firth of Forth, Scotland on 19 July 2016 has been published. The report contains details of what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations made.
Summary
At 1252 on 19 July 2016, two passenger carrying rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), Osprey and Osprey II, collided in the Firth of Forth. A passenger who was sitting on an inflatable tube of Osprey II was crushed between Osprey’s bow and Osprey II’s helm console, resulting in her sustaining serious injuries.
The MAIB investigation identified that:
– Both RIBs were interacting with a larger tour boat before they commenced a power turn manoeuvre, resulting in them turning towards each other.
– Due to the closing speed and the lack of sea room, the skippers had insufficient time in which to react to prevent a collision
– Osprey II had inboard seating for 8, and was certified to carry 12 passengers
– There are currently no regulations preventing persons on RIBs from sitting on the inflatable tubes
Safety Issues
– The power turn manoeuvre had previously been carried out successfully on several occasions but it had not been formally risk assessed and no thought had been given to what to do if a potential collision situation developed.
– Passengers not sitting on suitable inboard seating have an increased risk of falling overboard, are at significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries and, as demonstrated by this accident, are exposed to serious injury in the event of a collision.
– Internal injuries are hard to diagnose without specialist medical expertise. Unless the extent of an injury is clear and can be competently addressed by those present, appropriate medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Recommendations
A recommendation (2017/115) has been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to include in its forthcoming Recreational Craft Code requirements for suitable seating in respect to commercially operated passenger carrying RIBs.
A further recommendation (2017/116) to the Royal Yachting Association, in conjunction with the Passenger Boat Association to review the content of the two documents ‘Passenger Safety on Small Commercial High Speed Craft’ and ‘Small Passenger Craft High Speed Experience Rides’ has also been made.
The MAIB statement says:
“The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has investigated several accidents in which people have been injured as a result of inappropriate seating on RIBs.
“The message is clear: There are currently no regulations preventing persons on RIBs from sitting on the inflatable tubes. Passengers not sitting on suitable inboard seating have an increased risk of falling overboard, are at significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries and, as demonstrated by this accident, are exposed to serious injury in the event of a collision. The faster the RIB, the greater the risk.
“As a consequence, we have today recommended the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to include in its forthcoming Recreational Craft Code that the certified maximum number of passengers carried on commercially operated passenger carrying RIBs should be limited to the number of suitable seats designated for passengers. We have also made a recommendation to the Royal Yachting Association aimed at improving the guidance available to the operators of commercial passenger carrying RIBs.”
A safety flyer for the small commercial vessel industry summarising the accident and detailing the safety lessons learned has also been produced and is contained as an annex to the report. Read the flyer: OspreyRIBs_Flyer
Read the report in full: MAIBInvReport10_2017
