Question 1

MAIB data shows 54 RIB accidents since 2001 caused lower back injuries, 17 resulting in spinal fractures, with passengers in the front third of the vessel at significantly higher risk. What does this suggest for seating policy?

Accepted Answer

Operators should actively manage front-third seating — restricting it in anything beyond benign conditions and briefing forward-seated passengers specifically on bracing MAIB's own Safety Bulletin SB3/2023, issued after this accident, specifically urged operators to review seating arrangements and briefings with reference to this front-third risk data. Since the bulletin, two further RIB accidents have caused spinal fractures — both in front-third seating.

Question 2

You're asked to test a deck crane grab after electrical repairs nearby. As the grab is hoisted, what should have happened first?

Accepted Answer

The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift On the bulk carrier Fairfield Eagle, a crew member working nearby was struck and fatally injured when a grab being test-lifted after repairs swung unexpectedly. The investigation found the area should have been cleared and barriered before the test lift began.

Question 3

A toolbox talk held before a lifting operation should explicitly cover which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place A toolbox talk exists to make sure everyone present understands the danger zones, the abort signal, and — critically — who must not be in the area while the lift happens. The RMIMA investigation into the Fairfield Eagle fatality found the toolbox talk had not made this clear.