Page 20: of Marine News Magazine (October 2013)

TECH FILEample, Dr. Robert A. Warren, nationally accredited safety expert, USN technology evaluator and MPT marine advi- sor and Dr. Kam Ng, previous cavitation expert for ONR hydrodynamics ? both con rm the technology as appro- priate for scaling up for ships and larger work platforms for predicted fuel savings. The  rst proposed testing involves adapting the multiple nozzle system for up to 60? diameter applications. Current customer designs are underway for the following applications: Customer & Beta Test Validation: Reports from cus- tomers, including the U.S. Navy, Parks and Recreation, amphibious search and rescue craft (the 829), Florida Tour boats (pontoons) in manatee regions, and others claim that the vessels have gained speed, achieved excellent ma- neuverability, become more stable working platforms, in- creased the towing ability, are protective of environment and aquatic creatures (manatees, sea turtles, whales), im- proved overall vessel and life form safety, reduced cavita- tion vibration and have fuel savings at cruising speeds and in challenging surface conditions. U.S. Coast Guard Testing Protocol: In September, the U.S. Coast Guard, perhaps recognizing the emerging technology as something that requires closer scrutiny, an- nounced the release of Propeller Guard Test Procedure report, intended for use by developers of propeller guard devices and independent third party testing entities to test propeller guard products in a consistent and repeatable manner. The test procedure was developed through com- prehensive on-water testing of various available propeller guards to compile evaluative performance criteria and lab- oratory testing of the personnel protection capabilities of these same propeller guards. The diagnostic test equipment required for the performance testing will be made available on a loan basis to interested parties on a  rst-come,  rst- served basis for the cost of shipping and insurance. View the test procedure by clicking: www.uscgboating.org/safety/default.aspx .Marine Propulsion Technologies on the Web: http://www.mptmfg.com/ Unmanned landing craft;  Power cats with diesel powered inclined shaft drives;  Canadian mono hull  shing vessels with diesel powered inclined shaft drives;  Hawaiian high speed ferry boats; and  Tug Boat model testing ? goal to exceed 17 KT. October 2013MN October2013 Layout 18-31.indd 20MN October2013 Layout 18-31.indd 2010/1/2013 10:03:58 AM10/1/2013 10:03:58 AM