Legana-based company designs world's first marine rescue boat simulator
Marine rescuers can now train for emergencies on land using a $1 million simulator, thanks to a Legana company. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our. . .
Marine rescuers can now train for emergencies on land using a $1 million simulator, thanks to a Legana company. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our website& appThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaProgrammer Doug Partridge, software engineer Daniel Thorne, technician and company founder Jeff Hawkins and technician Nick Heywood in front of the Marine Rescue Boat Simulator. Picture by Paul ScamblerPivot Maritime International has been named Top Tasmanian Technology Innovator or Start-up 2026 for itsworld-firstMarine Rescue Boat Simulator which improves training, reduces risk and helps save lives at sea. Founder Jeff Hawkinssaid too many marine rescuers lose their lives at sea while doing their jobs, often as volunteers. "They don't go out in calm weather, when they are rescuing people it's in the worst conditions," Mr Hawkins said. Mr Hawkins said the simulators take about one year to develop using all sorts of technology, including 3D printers, before they're distributed across the nation and used for training. "Rescuers are offered high-tech boats but it has to be matched with training. In the past there had been animation but not real simulation," he said. "No one else globally has done that and no one else has put it on a movable trailer. "Using high-tech programming, the simulator depicts the exact layout of a rescue boat's helm and even sways in accordance with tidal movements offering a safe, realistic and repeatable way to prepare for the moments when decisions must be made quickly at sea. Technicians Nick Heywood and Jeff Hawkins inside the Marine Rescue Boat Simulator. Picture by Paul ScamblerBut because this had never been done before for smaller rescue boats, Mr Hawkins said there were many challenges along the way. "The big issue for us when designing it was other simulations are based around big ships," he said. Mr Hawkins said his team was surprised when they were announced as winners. "It was fantastic, especially when there's such fantastic tech companies in Tassie," he said. More from National NewsAs it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.