The Critical Need for Shock Mitigation and Wave Impact Monitoring on High-Speed Craft

In light of the recent New York Times article, “Chronic Brain Trauma Is Extensive in Navy’s Elite Speedboat Crews” (12 November 2024) , the dangers faced by high-speed craft operators have been brought into sharp focus. The article exposes the devastating effects of repeated wave impacts on sailors’ brains, highlighting an urgent need for improved safety measures in the marine industry. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/12/us/brain-trauma-cte-navy-speedboat.html

At Mission Dynamics, we are committed to addressing this issue through advanced shock mitigation and wave impact monitoring technologies.

The Hidden Cost of Speed and Power

The New York Times article paints a stark picture of life aboard the Navy’s elite high-speed boats. Operators often experience forces of up to 64Gs—equivalent to the impact of a severe car crash—dozens of times per hour. Over time, these forces cause cumulative damage, leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), psychological distress, and, tragically, suicide in some cases.

While the Navy has made efforts to improve boat designs, the reality remains that faster, more powerful craft often exacerbate the problem rather than solve it. This situation is not unique to the military. Civilian operators of high-speed craft in industries such as offshore wind, search and rescue, and passenger transport are also at risk.

The Role of Monitoring and Mitigation

Shock mitigation seats and improved hull designs can reduce some impacts, but they are not enough. Continuous monitoring and real-time feedback are critical to safeguarding crew wellbeing.

This is where Mission Dynamics comes in.

We offer Solutions designed to provide real-time monitoring of vessel impacts and crew exposure. By leveraging our expertise, we can implement a system that:

• Monitors Impact Forces: Sensors track every wave impact, offering detailed data on the magnitude and frequency of forces experienced.

• Alerts Operators in Real Time: Audible and visual alerts warn helmsmen when impact thresholds are exceeded, enabling immediate corrective action.

• Supports Long-Term Health: Comprehensive data logging allows for trend analysis, aiding in proactive maintenance, training, and operator health monitoring.

The Human and Operational Benefits

Integrating shock mitigation and monitoring systems offers both immediate and long-term benefits:

• Improved Safety: Real-time alerts help reduce exposure to dangerous forces, minimising the risk of injuries.

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Continuous monitoring supports better decision-making, ensuring smoother and safer operations.

• Long-Term Health Outcomes: By reducing exposure to chronic shocks, crews are less likely to experience the debilitating effects described in the New York Times article.

A Call to Action

The New York Times article serves as a sobering reminder that human health must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of performance. As the marine industry continues to push the boundaries of speed and capability, the need for effective shock mitigation and impact monitoring becomes ever more urgent.

At Mission Dynamics, we are proud to lead the way in protecting those who work on the water. By investing in our technologies, operators can prioritise safety while maintaining high performance.

For more information about our systems and other safety innovations, visit https://www.missiondynamics.co.uk