008/11

There is a perception out in the commercial and recreational boating sectors that rigid inflatable craft are so robust that they have no limits to how hard they can be driven. This perception has contributed to the failure of the inflatable pontoons on least 3 other rigid inflatable boats, 4 if this accident is included, leaving 3 people dead as a result. There might be other occurrences that the Commission is not aware of.
It is recommended therefore that the Director of Maritime New Zealand disseminate to industry, information on small boat driving technique in rough seas and include special reference to the forces imparted on craft particularly when driving at high speed in following seas, and the ramifications this could have for rigid inflatable craft.