The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has issued guidelines for choosing a Red Sea liveaboard.
Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, said:
“The MAIB is aware of 16 accidents that have occurred over the last 5 years involving liveaboard dive vessels operating in the Red Sea. It is deeply regrettable that a number of these accidents have resulted in the loss of life and our thoughts are with all those affected.“
The MAIB advise divers to book liveaboard dive holidays through reputable vendors who can provide assurance about the safety standards applicable to the dive boat. On arrival on board, request that the crew provide a thorough safety briefing before departure. This should cover the emergency warning signal, emergency exits, muster stations, the location and use of safety equipment, and abandon ship procedures.
The bulletin summarises the problems with the boats involved in the accidents as
- The dive boats involved were poorly constructed and often substantially modified/extended, which resulted in some vessels exhibiting inadequate stability.
- Essential lifesaving equipment was defective, out-of-date for service and, in some cases, missing.
- The rapid spread of fire is indicative of poor structural fire protection, and items of essential safety equipment, such as fire detection systems and fire extinguishers, were either missing or defective.
- Emergency escape routes were via lockable doors, had no emergency lighting and were unmarked.
- Safety briefings to passengers were of a poor standard or not conducted at all.
- Crews appeared poorly trained and were unfamiliar with their vessels