Rib owners advised to check Security of Seat and Console fixings
Following an Incident in July 2007, the Marine Accident & Investigation Branch (MAIB) of the Department of Transport have issued a Safety Bulletin following an investigation of an Accident involving a RIB where the seats of the vessel became detached whilst in use resulting in all three persons on board being thrown into the water.
Clubs and Individual boat owners are advised to check the mountings for seats and consoles and especially in the case of glued and screwed seat pods/consoles, are therefore recommended to make the followings
checks:
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Physically try to move the seats and consoles by hand to ensure there is no movement.
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Check for loose screws and/or evidence of any screw movement.
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Examine the sealant between seat/consoles and the deck to check for breaks or cracks.
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Establish if there is any water seepage under the console/seat that may indicate the sealant is not fully attached.
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Where doubt exists, seek advice from a professional boat builder/repairer to ensure the seat pods/consoles have been attached in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance and remain secure.
In addition we would advise regular checking of the operation of Kill Cords.
Jim Watson
BSAC Safety & Development Manager
Page last modified: 7th Jan 2008 - 10:18:44