Effectiveness of suspension seats in maintaining performance following military high-speed boat transits

The aim of this study was to investigate whether suspension seats (SS) fitted to rigid inflatable boats (RIB) could help maritime boarding teams maintain running performance during the high-risk posttransit phase.

High-speed RIB transits have been reported to cause reductions in the running performance of boarding teams posttransit.

In this experiment, two pairs of teams completed a 3-hr transit in either calm or rough seas (calm, 5 vs. 5; rough, 6 vs. 6) in an RIB fitted with either fixed (FS) or Suspension seats (SS). Exhaustive shuttle run distance was measured pre- and immediately posttransit. Transit heart rate and perceived exertion (RPE) were measured and deck and seat pan acceleration recorded; the latter were reported as impacts count and peak magnitude.

Distance run was reduced for the FS teams following both transits (calm,-250 m,-20%, p < .07; rough, -398 m, -26%, p < .05), whereas it was unchanged for the SS teams. All transit heart rates and RPE indicated light exertion levels. Seat pan impacts were similarly reduced during the calm transit (FS, -42%; SS, -30%); however, during the rough transit, the SS was more than twice as effective (FS, -32%; SS, -71%). Peak impact magnitudes were reduced by the SS (calm, -38%; rough, -57%) and amplified by the FS (calm, +3%; rough, +28%).

Suspension seats effectively maintained posttransit running performance by reducing magnitude of the vertical shocks imposed on the passengers.

High-speed RIB transits followed immediately by high-intensity activity are intrinsic to contemporary maritime operations; suspension seats can maintain post-transit physical performance, thereby enhancing safety and operational effectiveness.