4.2 MGN 436 (M+F)
MGN 436 (M+F) Section 8 provides guidance on how vibration data should be used to comply with the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Control of Vibration at Work) Regulations 2007.
It explains that the Exposure Action Value (0.5 m/s² A(8)) and Exposure Limit Value (1.15 m/s² A(8)) apply to marine craft just as they do to land and air transport, but that marine operations are more variable and require vessel-specific data to identify and manage risks.
The guidance encourages operators to collect and interpret vibration data when exposures may exceed the action value, using accelerometers at key crew locations such as the seat or deck. Real-time monitoring and traffic-light displays (green- amber-red) are highlighted as best practice, allowing drivers to understand the impact of their handling and take immediate corrective action.
4.3 Workboat Code 3
The Workboat Code 3, Section 22.3, sets clear expectations for the safety of personnel during transfer and voyage operations. Of particular relevance to this study is Clause 22.3.4, which states:
“Ambient sea conditions and whole-body vibration shall be continually assessed throughout the voyage.”
This requirement recognises that crew and passenger safety is not static but varies with changing environmental conditions and vessel dynamics. Operators are therefore obliged to monitor and evaluate sea state and vibration exposure in real time to maintain safe conditions and minimise injury risk.
The VIMMS system directly supports compliance with this regulation by providing:
• Continuous measurement of vessel accelerations and WBV exposure throughout each voyage.
• Real-time feedback to the operator on shock and motion levels, allowing corrective action such as speed reduction or course alteration.
• Automated recording of data for post-voyage review, enabling operators to demonstrate that monitoring and assessment have been performed in line with Code requirements.
5 Financial and Operational Risk of Crew Injury Crew injuries—both acute and chronic—carry
significant financial and operational implications for marine operators.
• Direct Costs: Medical treatment, compensation claims, legal fees, and insurance excesses.
• Indirect Costs: Lost productivity, training of replacement crew, vessel downtime, and reduced operational availability.
• Reputational Impact: Frequent injury reports can affect client confidence, contract renewals, and regulatory scrutiny.
• Insurance Premiums: A sustained record of incidents leads to higher premiums and potential exclusion from preferred operator lists.
By implementing VIMMS, operators can demonstrate a proactive safety management approach, supported by objective data. This not only reduces injury frequency but also strengthens a company’s position in contract bids, insurance negotiations, and compliance audits. Over time, this translates into measurable financial savings and enhanced operational resilience.
6 Sea Trial Findings
During the sea trials, VIMMS sensors recorded accelerations received on the operator seats, correlating data from high-speed transits and adverse sea states.
• The real-time display provided instant operator feedback, allowing immediate speed moderation to remain within safe thresholds.
• WBV data demonstrated cumulative exposure trends consistent with chronic risk development models, validating the system’s suitability for long-term health monitoring.
THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 129
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