Objective: 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.

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

Method: 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.

Results: 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%).

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

Application: 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.

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Effectiveness of Suspension Seats in Maintaining Performance Following Military High-Speed Boat Transits