One of the few ways in which driving a powerboat is similar to driving a car is that you must always ‘drive to the conditions’. In both cases, monitoring weather, road/sea conditions, other traffic and visibility should be second nature before every trip. 

But in reality, boaters often omit the important process of assessing the conditions before and whilst driving a boat at speed. Over the last ten to 15 years the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has noted a marked increase in spinal injuries on power boats, both commercial and leisure. In many cases these have been extreme, life-changing injuries for those involved. The reports on the MAIB website make for disturbing reading. 

The bulk of injuries have occurred in Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), with passengers sitting in the front third of the craft, often on seating that doesn’t provide stable handholds. Other contributing factors included casualties sitting sideways, failure to adjust speed to the sea state and lack of advice to passengers on how best to position themselves to avoid injuries. People with previous back injuries or with other pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions are also at greater risk.

Here are some very simple steps that we can all take to reduce the risk of injury to both passengers and ourselves: 

• Monitor speed and adjust as appropriate, with one hand on the wheel and one on the throttle at all times. 
• Be conscious of the sea state and adjust speed on approach to waves and wash to minimise the likelihood of slamming. 
• Cross waves at an angle, rather than head on.  
• Ensure the vessel’s trim is appropriate for the conditions. 
• At speed or in rougher conditions, avoiding seating passengers towards the front-third of the boat.  
• Brief passengers how to sit to minimise injury risk: face forward, use hands and feet to maintain a good grip on the boat and to reduce the effects of heavy landing. Ask about any past injuries, musculoskeletal or health conditions, and seat those who may be at greater risk further aft. 
• Establish a clear means of communication between driver and passengers. Warn passengers to brace themselves when approaching waves and ask them to alert you if they are feeling uncomfortable or wish to slow down. 
• Avoid intentionally driving into waves at speed and maintain good awareness of conditions and sea state at all times.  
• Keep the vessel in contact with the water. 

A day on the water should be fun but, above all, it should mean that you and your passengers all come home safely. Giving thought to the way your drive your boat, every time you go out, will greatly help you to avoid becoming just another accident statistic.