Human impact exposure on high-speed boats of the special operations boat unit

The aim of the current study is to participate in the NATO STO HFM RTG 344 group on this subject and the international research study identifying impact forces on the high-speed boats. The international research study of the NATO group aims to define a relevant unit for measuring and quantifying whole body impact exposure and to define, for each boat type, recommended hull-exposure limits (related to weather and sea conditions) to keep personnel safe and fit for mission. Since Belgian Defence only has a limited number of crew members and 2 FRISCs, participation in a large international study appears the only way to obtain insight into the actual shock frequencies and the development of a tool to enhance the control over the shocks in different sea states. In addition, the knowledge of so many different countries sharing their experiences and physical complaints related to driving military high-speed boats, this provides a lot of interesting information for the Belgian Ministry of Defence facing this issue.

The project SOBU - HFM/21-15 is financed under the DFR call.