Exploring the Future of Marine Rescue Services for Electric and Hydrogen Boats
Key Ideas
  • Zone Commander Hammond received a Churchill Fellowship to study marine rescue services' adaptation to new boating technologies, particularly focusing on electric and hydrogen-powered vessels.
  • During his six-week journey across several countries, he explored the advancements in electric propulsion, hydrogen fuel cells, and other innovative technologies in the marine industry.
  • The findings from his research will lead to recommendations for marine rescue organizations, regulators, and the industry to enhance safety procedures and response capabilities for electric, hybrid, and hydrogen vessels.
  • His work aims to ensure that Marine Rescue NSW and other organizations are well-prepared to respond effectively to incidents involving these new types of boats, prioritizing volunteer and operator safety.
The Winston Churchill Trust awarded Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond a fellowship to study the impact of new boating technologies, particularly focusing on electric and hydrogen vessels. Zone Commander Hammond embarked on a six-week research journey across the UK, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, the USA, and Japan. He met with various marine rescue organizations and boat builders, experiencing firsthand the advancements in electric propulsion and other innovative technologies in the industry. His research revealed that many boat builders globally are adopting electric propulsion, including some in Australia, with a shift towards environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vessels. Zone Commander Hammond emphasized the need for marine rescue organizations to prepare for incidents involving electric, hybrid, and hydrogen boats to ensure volunteer and operator safety. He is now working on a report with recommendations for improving safety procedures and response capabilities, aiming to facilitate a smooth transition for marine first responders when dealing with these new types of vessels. His findings will be shared with relevant councils and committees to promote safety discussions and advance the integration of alternative propulsion systems in the marine industry.
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