In light of the interim MAIB report if you operate ANY vessel that may in any way fall within the RYA code ( including tenders) , please can you ensure you read and understood the interim report and also review and update any and all relevant risk assessments as needed along with operating procedures accordingly.
This fatality and serious injuries to passengers will we believe affect our industry from insurance cover to speeds and crew numbers. There is a long way to go before the full MAIB report is produced which COULD place some changes to operations. We are very mindful of the standards that we ask of our members and will be involved in all discussions at a National level as these conversations take place. We are aware that some countries have a strict top speed limit for operations with passengers. Crew numbers may change for such operations and designs and layouts of some boats may also see changes at a legislation level. This all takes a long time and if we are to be part of any changes we need to show that we have adopted safe practices and follow these latest recommendations . They can be applied to RIBS, Cruisers and some extremely fast yachts
Recommendations:-
All UK Operators of small commercial high speed craft such as Rigid Inflatable Boats, sports boats and other vessels engaged in carrying passengers on trips and charters are recommended to:
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.
PCA involvement:-
We are very keen to represent you as members involved in such operations and wish to hear of any concerns you may have of any potential operational changes. Evidence of how it could affect our businesses or capabilities. Issues of speed are certainly on the agenda for discussion and we have already identified that a FAST SPEED has not been identified. On a given day a straight line on flat water with no wind over tide can be very safe at one speed , yet a day later the same trip in wind over tide and windy conditions could mean that half the speed of the previous day is now considered not safe. Herein lays the problem of how we all manage that risk. The RYA Voluntary Codes of Practice(version 3) is now 2 years out of date and we have identified this in our response to MAIB and there is no mention of our guidance document in members downloads. We as an association need to be seen following recommendations and we will look at our guidance document and discuss and review any changes needed. It maybe that we will be told to accept the one document. Ours has some very good guidance so in the interim we need to follow the latest updates and take into account all available safety documents.
MEDIA
We were advised in a recent email from MAIB that the media could approach operators or associations to seek a statement . ( We are hopeful other government issues will keep the media busy!) We ask all to be very careful at this time as the MAIB case is not concluded, we also know the Police/ MCA case papers have not been concluded and no decision reached yet. The PCA have prepared another statement and if approached you are welcome to use if you chose:-
We were deeply saddened to hear on the loss of life on 22nd August 2020 in Southampton Water aboard a charter Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), operated by Seadogz Ltd.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation by The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), Hampshire Police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) all of whom we are co-operating with fully. MAIB have now released an interim report on 20th May 2021.
Our hearts go out to the family of Emily Lewis and all those involved in this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with all involved.
The PCA are constantly reviewing procedures and making any necessary improvements to guidance to help prevent a repeat of this incident.
We are not able to comment further whilst a live MAIB and Police investigation is continuing
In a recent newsletter we mentioned Human Factors Training and issues relating to how we respond to and deal with events.
Please read the notice and take appropriate actions for your company and your crews
Despite previous guidance issued in 2005, accidents where casualties were using mobile phones or other personal electronic devices are still a cause for concern. This Note provides guidance to mariners about appropriate use of such devices and the dangers to themselves, shipmates and their vessel of using them inappropriately
Use of mobile phones and other personal devices has been found to be a significant contributory factor in maritime accidents and incidents. Accident investigations have found that inappropriate use of mobile phones and personal devices has resulted in a number of serious marine casualties, including:
Death of individuals working on vehicle decks and other working areas of ships;
Injury to individuals whilst working on board; and
Grounding of vessels.
PCA membership and working together
It has been a tough 12 months for all of us in The Marine and Charter industry
Once this unseasonal weather passes through, the winds ease and the sun shines again, we are all looking forward to the prospect of a predicted ’Staycation Summer’ - this will hopefully bring with it a much needed boost to the charter, hospitality and tourism industry here in the UK.
With this in mind, the PCA would like to take this opportunity to remind it’s members of their obligation to maintain professional working practices when seeking, tending or operating. upholding standards of behaviour and responsibilities to all as we move into this busy season.
PLEASE LIKE and FOLLOW these pages, and also if you are on Twitter and Facebook we can share and retweet your great posts, If you don't post we cant advertise you for free!!!
The PCA fully support this register of coded charter vessels and is part of your membership
Dont forget to keep using social media, it's free and we use it to promote your business too
The Team,
Website Communications
Charter Association.
email: newsletter@charterassociation.co.uk web: www.charterassociation.co.uk
Confidentiality: This message, and any attachments to it are intended only for the individual or company to which it is addressed, and may contain information which is privileged, confidential or prohibited from disclosure or unauthorised use. Any form of dissemination, copying, disclosure, distribution and/or publication of this e-mail message or its attachments to third parties is only permitted with the express permission of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient please notify us immediately and do not copy, distribute or take any action based on this e-mail.
Security Warning: Please note that this e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a 100% secure communications medium. PCA. advises that you understand and observe this lack of security when e-mailing us.
Viruses: Although the PCA has taken steps to ensure that this e-mail and any related attachments are free from viruses, we cannot guarantee this.
PCA is compliant with legislation covering General Data Protection Legislation (GDPR), our website uses cookies and you can view policies on the site.
