One area in which MEC is receiving an increased number of requests is in recreational boating field. The sale of recreational boats is highly competitive with the result that manufacturers are apt to provide only minimal design and construction safety features in order to keep their prices down.
An excellent example of this is the jetboat pump. Propulsion and steering is accomplished by pumping a jet of water through a trainable nozzle in the transom (back). Steering is accomplished by training the water jet. There is no rudder. In fact at a recent boat show in Portland, Oregon, none of the waterjet boats had rudders. Inquiry indicated that a small rudder attached to the unit was an option, but one which wasn’t often purchased.
The problem arises when the power is cut. The water jet decreases and thus the steering thrust drops to near zero. Several accidents have occurred when an operator reacts to a close call with another boat or object by placing the throttle in neutral and turning the wheel hard over. The turning of the wheel has no effect because the water jut thrust has been reduced to zero as a result of placing the throttle in neutral. A collision resulted.
Another instance is the failure if a cleat or winch to which a line is attached during the towing of a disabled boat. The result is a projectile of the part that broke off with personal injury or death. The two issues involved are failure to warn and inadequate construction for an anticipated use.
These are areas where MARITIME & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS has some "world class" experts. These Associates, usually employees in the boating industry, have been officials in the racing circuit responsible for investigating accidents. Upon retirement, they have applied their expertise to the recreational boating accidents. Several have been on standards setting committees and have advanced degrees.
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