Question 1

You're preparing an RS Venture Connect keelboat for a sailing session. The rigging guide specifies a Velcro strap must secure the keel in its lowered position before sailing. Why does MAIB's Safety Bulletin SB2/2019 treat this as a critical, not optional, check?

Accepted Answer

Because without the strap secured, the keel can retract during a capsize, removing the boat's self-righting capability and causing full inversion On the Windermere incident, the unsecured strap allowed the 125kg lead bulb keel to retract during capsize, removing the boat's self-righting capability and causing it to fully invert — exactly the failure mode Rec SB_2019/S2 addresses.

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.