Technology developments improve the boating lifestyle - Australian MarineBusinessWorld newsletter
by Peter Rendle 11 Jun 2020 22:00 BST
Smart cameras for safer boating © Transport Safety Victoria
As we look forward to returning to normal trading conditions, the boating industry continues to utilise technology to improve the boating experience.
In Victoria more boaters will be able to check conditions at their local ramp from the comfort of home as Maritime Safety Victoria launches new cameras across Victoria. The ramp and carpark cameras, which feed live images to the Boating Vic app every five minutes, are already available at six locations, with 19 more lined up this year. The next cameras to be switched on are at Stony Point and Corinella (Western Port), St Leonards and Point Richards (Port Phillip Bay), Queenscliff and Torquay. Launches will be announced on Maritime Safety Victoria's Facebook page.
And advancing technology plays a part in the ability to produce online webinars. Representatives from the water and environment team at BMT are providing the marina industry with an hour-long webinar regarding the application of risk management processes to assist the industry and marina operators to identify future trends and develop practical solutions to complex environmental, health and climate issues. This interactive session aims to engage with representatives from varying scales of marina operations to review key trends and long-term issues of the marina industry, and demonstrate the application of risk management fundamentals via a case study approach to effectively consider, plan and manage uncertainty.
Technology developments are also changing the way we go boating. As autonomous vehicles become a more and more common feature of our roads and farms, maritime robotics technologies are also progressing rapidly. Starting in 2017 with the Robotic Boat, an unmanned maritime vessel, Yanmar has been working on the deployment of auto-navigation and automatic docking systems. As labour shortages in the fisheries start to become a serious concern for the industry, Yanmar's maritime robotics technology aims to help realize a society where people work and live with peace of mind.
Propulsion is also under review, and Cox Powertrain recently announced that its 300hp diesel outboard has successfully achieved EPA Tier 3 approval for commercial and recreational applications. As the CXO300 is a new design built for purpose, Cox has had to work with the EPA to go through a rigorous testing process for an OEM engine. The main role of the EPA is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment. Emissions regulations are constantly evolving so it was imperative that Cox designed a clean-burning engine to ensure its ability to meet current and evolving emission standards for the CXO300 to receive approval from the agency.
On the home front and after the successful completion of the undercover work bays, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has begun the construction of new showrooms as the site continues to grow. The new marine hub is currently under construction and due for completion in August 2020. As a response to the growing demand for multi-use business units within the site, GCCM has committed to building three units that will provide new premises for leading marine contractors, adding to the 80 marine businesses already onsite.
From the USA we learn that Golden Boat Lifts, manufacturer of premium quality aluminium boat lift solutions, has added DOCKPRO as its newest dealer. The company's territories are Australia and New Zealand. "We were looking for a boat lift solution to help our clients, particularly those in high wash or exposed locations," said Sandra Barber, DOCKPRO sales manager, "and Golden Boat Lifts was the obvious choice. They're easy to deal with and have a great reputation in the industry."
As we emerge from the inhibiting restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 virus lockdown, let us know of your success stories or plans for the future and positive directions that inspire all marine business to get back on track for a successful 2020-2021 outcome.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com