22 August 2024

There have been a number of incidents involving small craft, travelling at a wide range of speeds, receiving predominantly vertical shock impact when coming off a wave, resulting in injury to one or more persons on board. The effects of crossing seas and side-on waves can also cause injury. Incidents have occurred on inland waters and estuaries as well as at sea, and to a wide range of people. Injuries sustained include spinal compression injuries, serious damage to joints and fractures in the leg and feet. When such injuries occur, they can be life-changing for those affected.
 
People that spend long periods on vessels that experience repeated low-level impacts, may not receive a serious, acute injury on any single voyage but, over time, the cumulative effects of whole-body vibration exposure can result in chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Vessel operators should have a strategy for mitigating risk from exposure to whole body vibration and shocks, which should be specific to operational needs, the vessel and equipment used, and the people involved.

MGN 436 (M+F) Amendment 4 gives guidance for operators, managers, owners and builders of small vessels on mitigating the risk of injury from whole body vibration (WBV) on small vessels, and in particular severe and repeated shocks (RS) as a result of impacts. 

Amendment 4 updates the guidance with the latest knowledge and best practice including the use of shock mitigating technology and data.

This guidance is provided to assist in improving the design of vessels to reduce the severity of the impact and to provide a suitable postural position for those on board to enable them to brace effectively. 

There is also guidance for operators on reducing the risk of injury through training, pre-departure briefing and ensuring that the vessel is operated considering vessel design, sea conditions and the health and experience of those onboard.

A link to the full document can be found HERE.

Members of British Marine can obtain further information and assistance from the technical department. Technical@britishmarine.co.uk