RIB SAFETY

Essentially, the most effective way of avoiding prop strike injuries is by avoiding a person being in the water anywhere near a moving propeller in the first place. The RYA therefore believes that the focus should be on following several basic and essential good practices, including:

• Keep a proper look out at all times
• Check the area around the engine for hazards before starting the engine
• Use a kill cord whenever the engine is running
• Stop the engine when there is a risk of a person in the water coming into contact with the propeller
• When swimming around a boat ensure the engine cannot be started inadvertently
• Ensure passengers and crew are aware of the need to maintain good handholds whilst under way
• Communicate changes in direction or speed to passengers
• Warn passengers when approaching wash or areas of rough water
• When operating at speed, ensure passengers are not positioned or seated in the bow where they can be easily thrown out of the boat if it stops suddenly
• Operate at a speed appropriate to the conditions
• Observe restricted or no go areas designated for swimmers
• Utilise a spotter when towing water skiers or inflatables
• Where dedicated seating is available have passengers use it in preference to sitting on gunwales or sponsons
• Warn passengers of the hazard associated with falling in, in particular prop strike