Stricter safety requirements for RIBs

The government introduces new rules to increase the safety of passengers on board RIBs (rigid-inflatable boats).

- The new rules are important to adventure companies along the entire coast. The goal has been to create policies that increase safety while still allowing for tourism development, said minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske.

RIBs are frequently used to transport tourists along the coast. As long as the boats have had 12 passengers or less, they have not been covered by any safety regulations. This will now change. - To travel at high speed in an open boat at sea is associated with risk. The new regulations will improve passenger safety, Giske said.

Rescue raft

The regulations contain a number of new requirements for owners of RIBs, including:

• Establishment of a safety management system (including training, staffing, registration of unwanted events, maintenance, training etc.)
• Annual internal audit
• Mandatory safety briefing to passengers prior to departure
• Demands for radio equipment on board
• Requirements for life raft (s) with capacity for all on board

The regulations contain some additional requirements for boats that reach speeds over 20 knots and that do not have a roof protecting passangers from the weather. These boats can only be used in daylight.

Unannounced inspections

Certificates will not be issued to each boat, but the Norwegian Maritime Directorate will carry out unannounced inspections to check that safety measures are in place and that the crews have the necessary personal certificates.

- The intention is that the industry should develop a good and systematic culture for safety, said Giske.

The new regulations cover vessels with up to 12 passengers and come into force on January 1st, 2011. The Norwegian Maritime Directorate is working to implement regulations also on Svalbard.