When a marine accident happens, there are lessons to be learned that may help prevent a recurrence.  

One such incident occurred in June 2023 and, as part of the recommendations in the report published by the MAIB in late 2025, the RYA was asked to share the safety messages with its network. The start of the UK summer season felt like an appropriate time to highlight these messages to instructors. 

What happened? 

In June 2023, while proceeding at sub-planing speeds, a RIB on a sea safari trip from Ilfracombe Harbour made contact with a number of high waves. The boat landed heavily and stopped abruptly, causing all passengers to be thrown forwards. This resulted in a range of injuries, the most serious being a spinal fracture and permanent paralysis below the fracture. 

The casualty, who had been the sole occupant of the double jockey seat, was dislodged from their seat. Sitting alone on a double jockey seat meant they could either slide forwards and use the handhold to brace with their arms, or sit at the back of the seat with their back against the backrest but without a handhold to steady their upper body. This seating position did not provide sufficient lateral stability. 

Because the seat was in the forward third of the boat, they were also subject to greater shock than those positioned further back. One aspect of this incident may come as a surprise: although it occurred in wavy conditions, it was at a relatively low speed. 

What this means for instructors 

When teaching RYA Powerboat courses, it’s important that we bring the syllabus to life. We should place appropriate emphasis on areas such as “Understands the importance of boat control in waves and adequate seating to minimise the possibility of injury”, which is a key syllabus point in the boat handling section of Powerboat Level 2, Tender Operator, Intermediate Day Cruising and Advanced Powerboat. 

Whether our students are aiming to gain a commercial endorsement or are undertaking training to use powerboats for pleasure, this incident provides a useful illustration of syllabus points in practice. It highlights several areas where discussion with our students should develop a clear understanding of how boat control, seating, positioning, communication and planning all contribute to safety afloat. 

Key points for instructors to emphasise with students 

Risk management and planning 

• All instructors should be trained in the RTC’s Safety Management System, including appropriate risk assessment procedures, and should understand and follow them.  
• Students should understand that safety always come first., and that having a Plan B for changing conditions should form part of route planning.  
• Good seamanship means being prepared to adapt, change plans or abort the activity if conditions worsen or are more boisterous than expected.  

Passenger positioning and seating 

• Students should understand that the positioning of crew and passengers is important. Particular attention should be paid to the increased risk in the forward third of the boat, where the greatest forces are experienced, compared with the aft two-thirds, where there is generally less impact encountered.  
• Suitable, well-positioned handholds are important for maintaining postural stability.  
• Single occupancy of a double jockey seat is not as safe as other seating positions.  

Briefing and communication 

• Students should understand what they need to tell people they take out on a boat about how to hold on securely, brace themselves and stay safe.  
• The helm’s responsibility to communicate clearly and remain alert to the impact of conditions on passengers should be discussed, especially when helming from an aft position.  

Emergency response 

• The importance of contacting the Coastguard early should be emphasised, to support the prompt deployment of emergency medical care.  
• These lessons are not about alarming students, but about helping them understand the importance of preparation, communication and good seamanship. As instructors, we have a key role to play in building that awareness so people can go afloat safely, confidently and with enjoyment.

Additional resources 

• MAIB Investigation Report 11/2025 – Lundy Explorer – Serious Marine Casualty 
• Marine Accident Investigation Branch reports emails – GOV.UK