Published on: 05 May 2022
In May 2021, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released its interim report on the investigation of the collision between the high speed passenger craft ‘Seadogz’ and a navigation buoy resulting in one fatality in Southampton Water on 22 August 2020.
Contained in the interim report are important recommendations for all UK Operators of small commercial high speed craft such as Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), sports boats and other vessels engaged in carrying passengers on trips and charters to implement immediately.
The MCA (under the request of MAIB) has now released a safety bulletin, targeting industry, reiterating the recommendations from the MAIB interim report on the fatal RIB accident.
The interim report has the following recommendations for industry:
Review the risk assessments for the operation of their vessels and take measures, as appropriate, to ensure that they comply with the safe working practices and standards contained in the Passenger Safety on Small Commercial High Speed Craft & Experience Rides voluntary Code of Practice.
Where an operator cannot comply with the provisions outlined in the Code of Practice, steps should be taken to mitigate against risk, and details of those measures included in the relevant operating procedures.
The Chief Inspector has written to industry bodies and certifying authorities requesting that they bring this interim report and its recommendation to the attention of their members.
It should be noted that British Marine is currently working with its membership to implement this throughout its membership.
The MCA safety bulletin and the interim MAIB report can be found Safety Bulletin 29 – ‘Seadogz’ – MAIB Interim Report – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
