MAIB Urges Vessel Monitoring for Safer Commercial RIB Operations

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its findings following a serious accident involving the passenger RIB Lundy Explorer. Departing from Ilfracombe Harbour on a sea safari trip, the boat struck a high wave and slammed into another oncoming swell. A 28-year-old female passenger sustained a spinal fracture, resulting in permanent paralysis.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, warned that passengers on small, high-speed craft remain highly vulnerable to impact and vibration injuries. “As yet little has been done to provide proper protection,” he noted, highlighting the urgent need for change.

In response, the MAIB report recommends fitting sensors to commercial RIBs to give drivers real-time feedback on the forces experienced by passengers and crew. Maritime Systems has developed VIMMS (Vessel Impact & Motion Monitoring System), already in service with professional operators.

The VIMMS unit captures position, speed, and acceleration data from sensors placed throughout the vessel. This information is displayed live to the driver, enabling course or speed adjustments to reduce risk. The system also logs data for post-incident analysis, compliance, and insurance purposes.

Although the incident occurred during a passenger safari ride, the MAIB’s findings apply across the wider industry. From offshore energy and defence to survey and port services, all sectors operating high-speed planing craft face similar risks.

With VIMMS already deployed across UK and international fleets, operators are using the system to improve training, refine risk assessments, and demonstrate duty of care. Its data-driven insights are helping reduce liability while strengthening customer confidence.

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