RIB fatality in Tobermory

Hey Gandy, how much do you have to scoop in Aberdeenshire before you are classified as drinking? Personally I would not handle any motorised equipment after four pints, or even "a couple" of pints for that matter. I am not saying that the helmsman did here. I will read the MAIB report when it comes out .
 
....Three or four pints amongst quite a few it seems. The coxswain gave breath samples registering a concentration of 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, five and a half hours after the incident. Alcohol affects judgement and slows down reaction times, which can be quite crucial if driving powerful craft in confined spaces. Report now published:

http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/Sooty_Report.pdf

Summary as follows.

3.1 SAFETY ISSUES DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT
WHICH HAVE RESULTED IN RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The coxswain’s night vision was impaired by the glare and back scatter from the deck floodlight, and none of the other crew helped to maintain a proper lookout. [2.3]
2. The decision to increase speed to get Sooty onto the plane, reduced the time available to react to any impending danger and made the consequences of the vessel’s grounding far more severe. [2.4]
3. The GPS probably did not display the RIB’s position because it had not received sufficient satellite data in the short period from being switched on until the RIB grounded. [2.5.1]
4. It is possible that the coxswain misidentified a headland on his GPS mapper. [2.5.1]
5. The passage was not properly planned and the intention to follow the inward trail recorded in the GPS when leaving Tobermory was potentially unsafe. [2.5.2]
6. The coxswain’s decision making and his co-ordination and cognitive skills were adversely affected by his consumption of alcohol. [2.6]

3.2 SAFETY ISSUES IDENTIFIED DURING THE INVESTIGATION WHICH HAVE NOT RESULTED IN RECOMMENDATIONS BUT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED
1. Many accidents involving leisure craft are alcohol-related, and until an alcohol limit is imposed on non-professional mariners in all UK waters, the enforcement of alcohol limits by harbour authorities will be fragmented, and it will have little value as a deterrent. [2.7]
 
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So it was as we suspected all along

3.2 SAFETY ISSUES IDENTIFIED DURING THE INVESTIGATION WHICH HAVE NOT RESULTED IN RECOMMENDATIONS BUT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED
1. Many accidents involving leisure craft are alcohol-related, and until an alcohol limit is imposed on non-professional mariners in all UK waters, the enforcement of alcohol limits by harbour authorities will be fragmented, and it will have little value as a deterrent. [2.7]
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Another nail in the coffin of unregulated sailing I am afraid.

- W
 
Don't know for sure, but I think that, as presently proposed, that size of boat would be exempt under the length proposals. If so, it doesn't say much for the proposed regulations.
 
Consultation for boating/alcohol regulation was for "a length overall of less than 7 metres and a maximum design speed not exceeding 7 knots". I presume the "and" is inclusive, so this boat would be included, on account of its design speed.
 
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Does anyone know who on the boat is subject to being breathalised?
My 12 year old is the best night helm I know and she doesn't drink!
:confused:
 
Genoa said:
Does anyone know who on the boat is subject to being breathalised?
My 12 year old is the best night helm I know and she doesn't drink!
:confused:
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According to the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, section 80:
(1) This section applies to a person who—
(a) is on board a ship which is under way,
(b) is exercising, or purporting or attempting to exercise, a function in
connection with the navigation of the ship, ...
Click to expand...
 
awol said:
Paralytic adults and a 12 year old - if there isn't a law against it, there should be.
Click to expand...

No one said paralytic. For some people over the DD limit is 1 pint, for some it's one and half, for the larger members of society it may be 2.

Do you need help dismounting off that very tall horse?
 
Surely somewhere within this is that it's very sad and unfortunate but accidents happen.
People take risks and sometimes pay the price.
 
Observer said:
According to the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, section 80:

(1) This section applies to a person who—
(a) is on board a ship which is under way,
(b) is exercising, or purporting or attempting to exercise, a function in
connection with the navigation of the ship, ...
Click to expand...

Which is almost anyone or everyone;
The Skipper, the Navigator, the Helmsman, Officer of the watch, Sail Trimmer, Lookout, but possibly not the Cook. :rolleyes:
 
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