At the Workboat Show in New Orleans, December 3rd, Shockwave Seats, a global leader in marine suspension seating, will unveil the S3 MAX — the world’s first high-pivot, multi-axis shock mitigation seat. A design driven by the US military, to stabilize the occupants head, when experiencing repetitive wave impact. This patent-pending design is specifically developed to help reduce lateral impact forces by stabilizing the occupant’s brain when experiencing high-speed, wave-slamming in extreme sea conditions.

The S3 MAX multi-axis shock mitigation seat represents a major innovation in safety for high-speed vessel crews, and is designed to help reduce chronic brain trauma, and related Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (C.T.E.), a degenerative brain condition linked to repetitive high-impact trauma.

A New York Times article, Chronic Brain Trauma Is Extensive in Navy’s Elite Speedboat Crews by journalist Dave Philipps (November 2024), revealed chronic brain trauma among many members of the U.S. Navy’s elite Special Boat Teams, who endure forces of up to 64 times the force of gravity (Gs) during operations. This article sheds much needed light on the effects of years of high-speed wave slamming on the vessel occupant’s brains. Brain trauma and C.T.E. has been found present in the brains of crew members who suffered from self-harm and suicide, underscoring the urgent need for innovation.

“The medical and scientific communities have made it clear: to reduce brain trauma, the head of seated crew members must remain as stable as possible while the vessel is underway,” said Sean Gerrett, Director of Sales at Shockwave Seats. “The S3 MAX is our response to that need. The S3 MAX is the world’s first high-pivot, multi-axis shock mitigation seat, that incorporates ground-breaking engineering design to further enhance our existing S3 product line.

“Building on the proven vertical shock absorption of the current Shockwave S3 suspension seats, the S3 MAX introduces lateral shock absorption, enabling the seat to move side-to-side in response to side wave impact. This high-pivot, multi-axis design delivers predictable, natural motion that enhances comfort and minimizes brain trauma — a critical factor in preventing long-term neurological damage.”

The S3 MAX was fitted to a high-speed military vessel and tested by the U.S. government in summer 2025. It will be unveiled at noon on opening day of the Workboat Show in New Orleans at the Shockwave booth and will also be featured at SOF Week and Seawork in spring 2026.

“Our hope is that this new seat design will play a significant role in preventing C.T.E symptoms and protecting the health and lives of elite speedboat crews around the world,” added Gerrett.