Boat Operators Research Articles

An exploratory study on the adaptation strategies of longtail boat tour operators to an evolving marine business landscape: a case study of Phuket Island, Thailand

ABSTRACT In Thailand's marine tourism, longtail boat operators play a vital role in local economic growth, cultural heritage preservation. Recognizing their significance, it is important to support these operators by understanding their adaptation to the fast changing business landscape. This study investigates the situation and adaptation strategies of longtail boat tour operators in Phuket, Thailand. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data and discuss the findings’ implications. Findings indicate a resurgence in tourism and a corresponding increase in revenue, driven by a sense of optimism and renewed investment among boat operators. Amidst this rebound, operators exhibit different service design strategies, with some retaining traditional business practices. However, the emergence of new domestic and foreign competitors in marine tourism has prompted a shift towards community empowerment. Simultaneously, the study underscores the pressing issue of business succession. The reliance of traditional maritime skills and the transfer of the skills across generations is at risk due to the younger generation's employment preferences. Emerging environmental challenges, such as climate change and unseasonal weather, further complicate the situation, along with increased water traffic. This research enhances understanding of how longtail boat tour operators adapt to business challenges, offering insights for stakeholders and policymakers in marine tourism.

The neurological effects of acute physical exhaustion on inhibitory function

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the inhibitory function performance of maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel in states of physical exhaustion. BackgroundSAR missions pose serious challenges to the cognitive function of SAR personnel, especially in extreme environments and physical exhaustion. It is important to understand SAR personnel's cognitive performance and neural activity under exhaustion to improve the efficiency of task execution and ensure work safety. MethodTwenty-six maritime SAR personnel were recruited to simulate boat operations until they reached a self-imposed state of exhaustion. The exhaustion state was monitored by maximum heart rate and subjective fatigue scale. Two event-related potentials, N200 and P300, were measured during a Go-Nogo task before and after a session of acute exhaustive tasks. ResultsAfter exhaustion, a marked reduction in accuracy, a notable increase in N200 amplitude, and a substantial decline in P300 amplitude under the Nogo condition were observed compared to the baseline phase. Pre- and post-exhaustion comparisons using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography revealed reduced activations in the right middle temporal gyrus's N200 component after exhaustion in SAR personnel during the Nogo condition. ConclusionThe results suggest that acute physical exhaustion significantly impacts the inhibition ability of SAR personnel, prolonging the conflict monitoring phase and weakening the response inhibition phase. These findings provide valuable insights into how physical exhaustion affects cognitive functions critical to the safety and effectiveness of SAR operations, and can inform strategies to improve training and equipment to enhance performance under extreme conditions.

Analysis of safety and impact probability of subsea Christmas tree impacted by falling objects

At present, there is no clear data to analyze the probability and impact of falling objects on the subsea Christmas tree. However, during the long-term operation in the complex deep-sea environment, objects may fall and hit the tree due to the anchored platform, fishing boat operation or other reasons, the impact of large heavy objects onto the tree can potentially give rise to the development of internal forces higher than those for which the tree was designed to. Therefore, aiming at the risk problem of falling objects, the paper presents the development process and results of an improved impact probability numerical method. And the safety model of falling object impact on the tree is established. Preliminary results indicate that the method offers valuable insight including and beyond a probability estimation of third-party damage, and the safety results were obtained. At the same time, the influencing factors of the tree impacted by falling objects are analyzed, and the serious influencing factors are obtained, which provides theoretical basis for the design and optimization of the protection frame of subsea square equipment.

Risk factors and f isher positioning task during coastal gillnet fishing boat operation using UWB based positioning system

Risk factors and f isher positioning task during coastal gillnet fishing boat operation using UWB based positioning system

Climate change: A pointer to increased small-scale fisher drowning deaths.

Drowning is an overlooked public health concern and drowning risk is dependent on environmental risk factors. The preponderance of drowning deaths occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Small-scale fishers face high occupational risk of drowning. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms, thereby exacerbating fishers' risks and creating a need to examine the contribution of storms to fisher drowning deaths for the development of mitigation strategies. We examined this relationship between weather and fisher drowning deaths in Lake Victoria, which is Africa's largest lake, a site of high fishing pressure, and where climate change is predicted to increase thunderstorms. We conducted a verbal autopsy with people knowledgeable about recent fatal fisher drowning incidents to collect information about the deceased fishers and circumstances surrounding the incidents across 43 landing sites in the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders also elucidated community perspectives on drowning risks. Fatal drownings were often attributed to bad weather (41.8%). Other risk factors, such as non-use of life jacket and navigation equipment, co-occurred with bad weather at high rates (69.5% and 67.8%, respectively) to jointly contribute to fatal drowning incidents. Such co-occurrence of risk factors indicates that actions across multiple risk factors can help mitigate the issue. Stakeholder analysis revealed a range of opportunities for improved communication of risks and action to mitigate risks across boat operators and manufacturers, as well as multiple levels of management. Across global small-scale fisheries, limited use of safety equipment and intensive fishing pressure may coincide with increases in extreme weather events, necessitating action to address current and mitigate future drowning risks to small-scale fishers.

Human Reliability Analysis for Fishing Vessels in Korea Using Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM)

In this paper, we introduce a model designed to predict human error probability (HEP) in the context of fishing boat operations utilizing the cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM). We conducted an analysis of potential accidents on fishing boats and calculated the cognitive failure probability (CFP) for each identified accident. The common performance conditions (CPCs) from the original CREAM were adapted to better reflect the conditions on fishing boats, with the adapted CPCs’ validity confirmed through expert consultations. To apply CREAM, data were gathered via a survey of fishermen, with the uncertainty in the collected data addressed through the application of fuzzy set theory (FST). We then established a Bayesian network (BN) model to elucidate the relationship between the fuzzy data and HEP, utilizing a weighted sum algorithm to determine conditional probabilities within the BN. Both basic and extended versions of CREAM were applied to analyze the most common accidents among fishermen, calculating the CFP for each type of accident. According to our analysis, the poorer the dynamic CPC, the higher the probability that a fall accident will occur inside the boat due to human error, necessitating a countermeasure. The paper proposes safety enhancements for small fishing boats and illustrates the increased precision of human reliability analysis (HRA) models in forecasting human error by incorporating quantitative methods. It calls for further data collection and refinement of the model for more accurate operational risk assessments.

Evincing the social and economic impact of inland waterways transportation in the development of the Port Harcourt metropolis

Road traffic congestion has been decreased by using water transportation. The impact of inland waterways transportation on the socio-economic growth of Port Harcourt Metropolis was investigated in this essay. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a cross-sectional survey design and employed a multi-stage sampling technique. The first stage involves identifying the locations of the jetties and navigable routes available in the metropolis. The second stage involves the listing of the jetties and navigable routes found within the study area which nine (9) jetties and navigable routes were identified. The third stage involves purposively selecting six (6) jetties out of the nine (9) jetties listed. The selected jetties and navigable routes include (Bonny/Bille/Nembe, Marine Base, Abonnema Wharf, Maccoba, Iwofe, and Akpos). The six (6) jetties were selected because of their frequent usage by commuters. The fourth stage involves randomly selecting 200 commuters who are using these jetties and navigable routes for sampling. Using a random sample technique, a structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to the commuters to acquire data for the study. Descriptive statistics (tables and charts) and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data set. Other sources of data for the study include direct observation and photographs to characterise the study area and inland waterways transportation development in the metropolis. The reason the study chose to focus on the commuters and boat operators is because the commuters and operators are individuals who commonly use inland waterways transportation systems. The study found that lack of funds, poor river basin dredging and canalisation, insufficient security and infrastructure, a lack of safety devices, and inadequate training of boat operators and drivers are among the issues and obstacles. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should support efforts to enhance boat service operations for sustainable modes of transportation to promote their use by more people and ease traffic on the roads.

Identifikasi Kesesuaian Ekologi Permukiman Kampung Air Pulau Kemaro Sebagai Sumber Belajar Geomorfologi Fluvial

The objective of this study is to identify the ecological attributes of the settlements in Kemaro Island Water Village as well as assess their appropriateness as educational resources for geography course material on the topic of fluvial geomorphology in class X, SMA N 5, Palembang. The research employed a descriptive-qualitative approach, utilizing various methods for data collection such as interviews, observation, and documentation. The findings of the study indicate that Kemaro Island is a geographical feature characterized by its location as a bar or sediment situated within the central area of a channel or river flow. Kemaro Island exhibits ecological characteristics in the form of a distinctive Water Village, where individuals reside along the Musi riverbank. The primary occupations of the local community residing on Kemaro Island encompass fishing, diving, boat operation, and agricultural pursuits. The agricultural practitioners residing on Kemaro Island employ a method of rice cultivation that capitalizes on the tidal nature of the nearby river water. Kemaro Island exhibits considerable potential for utilization as a tourism destination. The water landscape of Kemaro Island possesses ecological characteristics that can serve as a valuable educational resource for studying fluvial geomorphology within an environmental context. Hence, it is anticipated that social studies Geography teachers could use the Kemaro Island Kampung Air area as an educational resource for social studies Geography, with the aim of enhancing students' understanding of the local environment

Disguised Among the Sea: The Implications of Artificial Islands on Casualty Care in the Indo-Pacific.

As reported in the 2022 Biden-Harris National Security Strategy, China is perceived as the primary U.S. competitor with the intent and means to become the world's greatest superpower. China's efforts, which are at odds with America's ambition to maintain its global influence, are complemented by ostensibly harmless "gray zone tactics," defined as coercive geopolitical, economic, military, and cyber activities below the use of kinetic military force. Such tactics may be utilized with seemingly innocuous intentions, but in reality, they can complicate U.S. combat casualty care in the event of an Indo-Pacific conflict. One tactic of particular impact is China's development of artificial islands throughout the South China Sea. By creating these islands, China is expanding its reach beyond its continental borders. These islands, alongside China's well-developed naval and missile capabilities, will cause disruptions to U.S. casualty care staging, medical resupply, and aeromedical evacuations. To mitigate those threats, the USA should implement a robust regional Combatant Command Trauma System, improve global health security cooperation with local partner nations, and implement irregular or guerilla trauma systems that meet medical needs in impromptu, clandestine settings. Operational recommendations based on these efforts could include pre-positioning tactical combat casualty care and damage control resuscitation supplies and developing with nearby host-nation evacuation platforms such as small boat operators. These solutions, among others, require years of training, relationship-building, and capability development to institute successfully. As a result, U.S. Military leaders should act now to incorporate these strategies into their irregular warfare, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale combat operation toolkits.

Оценка фактического объема воды в водоеме посредством надводного беспилотного аппарата

Purpose: is to assess the actual water volumes in water objects (reservoirs, lakes, ponds) to identify the degree of maximum anthropogenic load, namely, the pollutant release. Materials and methods. Lake Svyatoe, located in Kosino-Ukhtomsky administrative district of Moscow, was chosen as the research and experimental object for testing the automatized system. The programs Google Earth Pro, Surfer 22, local author's programs for data processing, author's unmanned surface vehicle (USV), echo sounder Garmin Striker Cast GPS were used in the study. Automated systems as an unmanned surface vehicle (unmanned boat – USV), sensors (including echo sounder) and local programs for data acceptance and processing can be applied to improve and organize continuous monitoring of water objects. Results. The actual water volume assessment in the water object of 215 thousand cubic meters by means of the USV and its mounted echo sounder was demonstrated. The methodology of the unmanned boat operation for the water resources exploration was developed. Conclusions. Taking Lake Svyatoe as an example of water resources volume survey, it can be concluded that the methodology is applicable to any other water body, including reservoirs. Through regular water resources survey using USV it is possible to record not only changes in the actual water resources volume, but also bottom relief changes, sedimentation or overgrowing processes at specific sites. It also allows calculating the maximum allowable anthropogenic impact on the given object, including the maximum allowable discharge and its intensity at a particular moment of time.

Program Pelatihan Operasional Kapal Speedboat Fiberglass Untuk Operator Kapal Tradisional Sampang-Gili Mandangin Dalam Rangka Mendukung Perkembangan Kapal Berbahan Fiberglass Di Pulau Madura

Mandangin Island is one of the islands in Sampang Regency which has an area of 1650 km 2 with a population of around 3000 people. Most of the people on this island, the majority of whom work as fishermen, generally travel around 12.2 km to Sampang City to buy daily necessities by boarding traditional wooden boats at the Tanglok Sampang port. According to information conveyed by the Head of the Sampang Regency Transportation Service, most or almost all of the passenger ships that dock at Tanglok Port are traditional wooden ships whose actual function is to transport goods, not passengers, which are quite old. The Transportation Department considers the existing ships to be less safe and comfortable and therefore require refreshing. Besides that, wood as the main material in nature is decreasing in quantity so the price is increasingly expensive. The method implemented in this community service is to carry out a fiber glass boat operational training program for traditional boat operators. With this activity, it is hoped that the continued use of fiber glass boats can begin to be used and reduce the use of wooden boats which are relatively more expensive.

Technological Alternatives for Electric Propulsion Systems in the Waterway Sector

The trend in the development of maritime and river propulsion systems is to make a transition from hydrocarbon to more environmentally friendly solutions. This contributes positively to the solution of the problems identified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding the high emissions of polluting gases emitted by maritime transportation. Currently, there is a wide variety of systems available due to the development of mobility technologies focused on decarbonization. This paper presents an analysis of technological alternatives for boats with electromobility applications and propulsion systems in the waterway field. First, a description of the operation of boats with electric motors, the different energy sources, and the alternative propulsion options is presented. Then, the electromobility technologies are characterized, analyzing the different configurations between the power source and the propulsion system. The results show a comparative table of technologies and their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the most environmentally friendly technologies present significant challenges for large-scale implementation due to their recent development. In the short term, hybrid systems technologies present advantages over the others, as current systems are available, with the addition of equipment with higher efficiency and lower environmental impact.

Usage of Life-saving Equipment by Commercial Boat Users and Operators in Southern Nigeria

Non-usage of life-saving equipment while on water may increase disaster risk such as boat capsizing, injury, and drowning; studies find generally low levels of lifejacket wear among drowning victims and among some cultural groups. Considering this, the study examined the usage of life- saving equipment by commercial boat users and operators in southern Nigeria. The finding revealed that among the boat operators, 41.9% uses of life-saving equipment is always and 63.4% for the boat users. The determinant factor for the use of life- saving equipment among boat operators were compliance (38.7%) and compulsory for boat entry (27.4%) while for boat users it was prevention from drowning (44.4%) and safety (30.1%). Considering the usage of life-saving equipment along Nigerian waterways, it was concluded that commercial boat operators and users use life-saving equipment always and regularly.

Actual Conditions and Issues Concerning Barrier-Free Access for Tourist Boats

As an island nation, Japan has numerous remote islands that serve as tourist attractions, and, as such, involve the operation of many tourist boats. In Japan, it has been mandatory to comply with barrier-free technical standards for newly licensed tourist boats and passenger liners since April 2019. However, Japanese tourist boats tend to be older (i.e., licensed before April 2019) because daily sailing distances are shorter and hull damage is less severe compared with regular passenger ships. As a result, tourist boats are less likely to be barrier-free. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the existing conditions and issues concerning barrier-free access for tourist boats in Japan. First, we investigated several function parameters, such as the actual conditions of the structures, equipment, routes, and piers for representative tourist boats in Japan. Next, we conducted an interview survey with operators of representative tourist boats to clarify passenger demand for barrier-free access, the burden on seafaring crews, and the possibility of investment in barrier-free access. Based on the results of the survey, we organized the issues and discussed the best possible approaches to solving these problems. The findings suggested that the development of space-saving lifting equipment is a possible solution on the technical side, whereas the enhancement of subsidy programs and collaboration with industries other than those involved in maritime passenger transportation are possible solutions on the management side.

Spatio-Temporal Shoreline Movement of the Afram River in Ghana: The Application of Endpoint Rate and Net Shoreline Movement

Shoreline change is a severe threat to life and property in wetland regions. Shoreline change analysis is critical for integrated wetland zone management and is accomplished through the field and aerial surveys. The Afram River is a significant source of water, food, and economic activity for Kwahu and its neighbouring communities and a form of funds for the residents. The shoreline, nevertheless, has been transforming because of erosion and accretion. This study examined a low-cost innovative approach using space-based peripheral visuals and metrics. Transects and data analysis for the riverbank were created using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) in the Spatial database. The study employed Landsat images from three historical years (2001, 2015 and 2022) across 22 years. End Point Rate (EPR) and Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) statistics in DSAS were used to determine the extent of change. Questionnaires and key informant interviews were administered to farmers, boat operators, fishermen, and older residents to learn more about the factors responsible for changes in shoreline position. According to the study, 24% of the shoreline erodes at a section, while 86% is stable. The survey's mean erosion rate is -0.24 m/yr, whereas the average accretion proportion is 27 m/yr. The ramifications of the Afram River channel change have affected the socio-economic livelihoods, including out-migration, farm loss and displacement of settlement. As a result, all organisations and participants responsible for these riverbanks should work together to prevent further damage and erosion of the shoreline line and its marine life and resources.

Influence of Electrofishing Boat Operation and Driving Techniques on Reservoir Fish Catches

We compared three methods of boat driving and pedal operation using 600‐s transects: these were the parallel continuous (PC), parallel intermittent (PI), and arc‐intermittent (AI) methods for surveying warmwater fishes in reservoirs. We tested differences in total time and distance per transect, CPUE (fish/h, fish/m), and length frequencies of captured fish among methods. The PC method took the least amount of time, while the AI method took the least amount of distance to complete a transect. The AI method provided slightly higher CPUE (fish/h, fish/m) for Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and Yellow Bass Morone mississippiensis and higher CPUE (fish/m) for Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, Green Sunfish L. cyanellus, and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. Each method caught similar size ranges of fish; however, there were slight differences in proportions of sizes for Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill. Overall, the AI method performed slightly better for a few species; however, difference in the methods were minor. Any technique should work well for monitoring reservoir fish populations when fish/h is the effort metric.

Strategies for Adapting to the Increased Labor and Fuel Costs for Commercial Fishing Boat Operators: Case Study in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

The objective of this study is twofold: 1) to examine the cost and return structure of commercial fishing boat operators in Tha Sala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and 2) to study the adjustment strategies and assistance measures for the group of commercial fishing boat operators in Tha Sala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The sources of data used in this research are 1) commercial fishing boat operators in Tha Sala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and 2) government agencies related to commercial fishing boats. The study will use a snowball sampling technique, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with a set of predetermined questions. The results of the study show that the cost and return structure comprises five constant costs: labor costs, foreign document costs, boat registration costs, boat permit costs, and straight-line depreciation costs. Since 2020, the average cost per year has been 442,425 baht. In 2021, the average cost is still 442,425 baht, while in 2022, it increases to 445,425 baht due to fluctuations in cost factors, which include fuel prices, rice prices for fishermen, ice costs, and maintenance expenses. The return on investment for the past three years has been continuously decreasing, with an average of 7,200,000 baht in 2020, 6,200,000 baht in 2021, and 2,700,000 baht in 2022. The fishing boat operators have made adjustments in three areas to combat rising fuel costs: reducing work days, adjusting product processing, and relying on technology and innovation. However, the government and other public entities have no direct role in assisting commercial fishing boat operators dealing with rising labor costs and fuel prices. The only indirect assistance comes through a loan project that uses the fishing boats as collateral, and this has been available only once during the three-year period from 2020 to 2022 when labor and fuel costs were at their highest.

Strategies for Adapting to the Increased Labor and Fuel Costs for Commercial Fishing Boat Operators: Case Study in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Strategies for Adapting to the Increased Labor and Fuel Costs for Commercial Fishing Boat Operators: Case Study in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Irrawaddy dolphin in Asia's largest brackish water lagoon: A perspective from SWOT and sentiment analysis for sustainable ecotourism

Chilika, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, is a habitat of the Irrawaddy Dolphin (IRD) and a popular tourist destination for dolphin watching. However, this dolphin-based tourism has turned unsustainable due to the adverse impacts of tourism on IRD. This study uses SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to analyze various internal and external factors that control IRD-based tourism in Chilika. Content analysis and sentiment analysis are also used to know the tourists' views regarding dolphin tourism in Chilika lagoon, and telephonic interviews with boat owners to determine the impact of tourism on local communities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. SWOT analysis highlights existing opportunities and strengths of IRD tourism in Chilika, such as prevalent ‘positive’ perception (48%) among the tourists and stable IRD population. 38% of tourists' perceptions were ‘negative,’ corroborating inherent weaknesses and threats of IRD tourism, such as faulty marketing strategy, excessive tourist pressure, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews with boat operators reveal that the pandemic lockdown laid the financial situation of local tourist boat operators down. This study suggests multipronged solution approaches, for example ensuring the integrity of IRD habitat, optimal resource utilization, high service quality, and necessary infrastructure development to facilitate a sustainable ecotourism model in the lagoon.

Observations of Offshore Internal Boundary Layers

AbstractThe growth of the marine internal boundary layer (MIBL, height hi) with the shore‐normal distance x, is a topic of continuing interest because of its applications in coastal pollution dispersion, offshore wind farm siting, coastal air‐sea fluxes and in evaporative ducting. Available data on MIBL are scarce, given the difficulty of measuring the variability of coastal winds. During the Coupled Air‐Sea Processes and Electromagnetic Research campaigns, an array of instrumentation was deployed to measure offshore spatial variability and its effect on electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation. Meteorological sensors (flux towers and remote sensing) deployed along the coast of Point Mugu, California, on a research vessel and FLoating Instrument Platform provided surface layer and boundary layer observations. Measurements from multiple remote sensors such as synchronized triple Doppler lidars, small boat operations with tethered lifting system, and radiosondes provided a holistic view of the MIBL growth and its spatial variability in coastal areas. Convective and stable MIBL observed during two intensive operating period days showed distinct growth characteristics off the coast of Point‐Mugu. During stable stratified atmospheric conditions, an MIBL was observed to develop least as far as 47 km from the coast. The growth of MIBL within the nearshore adjustment zone was influenced by surrounding atmospheric, oceanographic, and topographic conditions. A parameterization scheme is developed based on advection‐diffusion balance equations, accounting for upstream turbulence, and compared with hi observations from a Doppler lidar and profiles taken from a small boat. An evaluation of existing IBL theories is also conducted.