Page 50: of Marine News Magazine (July 2017)

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SAFETY

Credit: Flying Focus

Shock Mitigation Strategy for Fast

Repetitive Shock & Whole Body Vibration

A workshop designed to raise awareness about Repetitive Shock & Whole

Body Vibration on Fast Craft brings knowledge to the maritime sector.

SKYDEX cushion inserts utilize polymer based geom- etries in innovative shock

By John Haynes, Operations Director of Shock Mitigation mitigating marine seats n April, more than 80 maritime professionals attended whole body vibration can reduce the incidence of injury. two unique one day events focused on the sub IMO/ The objective of this session was to bring together a body

Isub 80 foot vessel sector in Southampton, UK. The fast of information that end-user organizations and industry moving Repetitive Shock & Whole Body Vibration (RS & can utilize in order to develop a holistic approach to shock

WBV) Workshop brought together an international group mitigation on fast boats.

of experts armed with the latest knowledge to identify problems that affect the maritime sector worldwide. Robust Designs, Ergonomic Features

The next session was presented by Hans van der Molen,

De? ning Shock Mitigation Head of Technical Projects and Innovation for KNRM,

The Workshop opened by centering on the concept of the Royal Netherlands Lifeboat service. He explained why shock mitigation, which is to make a violent collision or their vessels are being designed to the most rigorous stan- impact less intense. A shock mitigation strategy is essential dards, saying, “As KNRM rescue vessels have to be deploy- for all craft that undertake open sea transits or operate in able in all weather conditions, seakeeping and stability are rough water. Since the 1990’s, the focus has mainly been the most crucial factors in safety. For the crew, however, on developing mechanical suspension seats to reduce the comfort and user-friendliness are also key features.” effects of vertical accelerations. Areas requiring further in- The innovative 19 meter (62-foot) rescue vessel, ‘NH1816,’ vestigation include fore-aft, lateral and vector forces, plus was built by Damen Shipyards Group in collaboration with improving seat cushion performance and comfort. the Maritime Technology faculty at Delft University and De

The opening presentation highlighted that a serious Vries Lentsch Naval Architects. This vessel combines all of the challenge for the builders and designers of next genera- technical, ergonomic and operational features that KNRM tion RHIBs and high speed craft is to deliver platforms wanted in a new design. The new rescue vessel is intended that balance high performance with the physical demands to be the replacement for the current 19 meter Arie Visser- on crew and passengers. With the arrival of unbreakable class vessels. Speci