Shock Mitigation Directory

Marine Seating

In the Shock Mitigation Directory this category is separated into sub-categories of RIB & Suspension Seats, Open Boat Seats, Wheelhouse Seats and Race Boat Seats.

RIB & Suspension Seats

Traditional seating for RIBs is jockey (straddle), leaning post or bench seats. A fixed seat is usually a covered foam pad attached to a GRP, FRP or aluminium box or frame.

Due to higher operational speeds many organisations using RIBs & High Speed Craft select suspension seating. Marine suspension seating may have feet on or off the deck.

Bolster & External Seats

High Speed Craft seats need to provide a good ergonomic position for helmsman and crew. Seats need to allow space for crew wearing lifejackets, webbing and body armour.

Professional open boat seating needs to be manufactured from marine grade metals, closed cell foams and durable coverings that resist the effects of salt water.

Wheelhouse Seats

Wheelhouse or bridge seating is used for extended periods of time and must be very comfortable. Wheel house seats are usually on raised pedestals with suspension.

Some wheel house seating has the option to integrate controls into the armrest for helmsman, navigator, engineer, communications and various crew tasks.

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RIB & Suspension Seats

RIB and High Speed Craft seats need to provide a good ergonomic position for helmsman, crew and passengers. Seating design needs to allow space for crew wearing lifejackets, webbing and body armour. Traditional seating for commercial RIBs is jockey (straddle) or leaning post. Due to higher operational speeds many organisations using RIBs & High Speed Craft now select suspension seating. The objective of a suspension seat is to separate the helmsman and crew from the worst effects of vibration and impact at sea. RIB, RHIB and High Speed Craft suspension seating may have feet on or off the deck. Seat and suspension designs are evolving to meet the changing operating requirements of maritime organisations.

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Wheelhouse Seats

Wheelhouse or bridge seating may be used for extended periods and must offer a high level of shock mitigation and comfort plus good ergonomics for the helmsman and crew. Wheelhouse suspension seats designs include shock absorbers linked to pillars, posts and moving arm systems that can be integrated with a fore and aft slider system. Crew and passenger seating for extended passages or stand-by roles may be designed to enable the occupant to sleep in the seat. Depending on the vessels design internal seats may include a multiple point seat belt or harness. Some wheelhouse seat designs have the option to incorporate controls into the armrest for helmsman, navigator, engineer and various crew tasks.

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Suspension Systems

The shock mitigation requirements of high speed military and over the horizon operations has created the need for a new approach to suspension systems. The objective of a suspension seat is to separate the helmsman and crew from the worst effects of vibration and impact at sea. A suspension system integrates the suspension for the man with suspension for critical equipment. This links the helmsman to his controls and the crew to their workstations to improve their ability to function at high speeds in rough conditions. Suspension systems include a) combined suspension seat and helm station b) suspension cab with multiple seats, helm and workstations c) suspension deck with all seating and equipment attached.

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Bolster & External Seats

Bolster and semi-standing seats are used by certain professional RIB, RHIB and High Speed Craft organisations. A high stand up position with leaning support or a wrap around 'bolster' design may be selected to allow the crew to move around the boat for boarding, to use weapons, to take cover behind ballistic protection or to operate specialist equipment. A single seat for external use may be fitted to a vertical post or pedestal. Low racing style seats, sometimes used with foot throttles, have limited use on military or commercial craft. Bench or multiple seating is not selected for extreme operations. Open boat seating components are manufactured from marine grade metals, closed cell foams and materials that resist exposure to the elements.

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