The goal of the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association’s (WFSA) has been to identify and disseminate approaches, primarily technology-based, to reduce ferry fatalities. They focus on technology because it is often an impetus for social change.
The 1st Ferry Safety and Technology Conference 2015 hosted by WFSA sponsored its annual vessel design competition, commissioned student research, convened a technology-based conference, and served as a central locus for the dissemination of other organizations’ research. Also, more organizations, researchers, and operators have engaged in research efforts, and initiated capital and operational improvements for ferry safety. WFSA has identified a market and potential partners for a project to develop a tablet-based training program.
Worth noting is that among five ongoing research studies, one is about The Philippines’ Ferry System. WFSA research associate Abigail Golden prepared a report on the Philippines’ ferry system and safety regime. The report is available at http://www.ferrysafety.org/news.htm
The 2nd Annual Ferry Safety and Technology Conference hosted by WFSA will bring together ferry operators, city planners, vessel designers, weather experts, and many more members of the world’s maritime community. The conference takes place on 2-3 June, 2016 at the historic Pier A Harbor House in downtown Manhattan, New York.
The conference brings together ferry operators, city planners, vessel designers, weather experts, and technology providers of the maritime community.
It will present innovative technologies via panels and demonstrations over the two days by speakers from around the globe. There will be frequent opportunity for networking during breakfast, breaks, and lunch.
The main discussions are on Ferry Landings with a focus on resiliency; Maritime Weather with new information on timely fine scale marine weather detection; and Information management and Communication applications.
Presentations include case studies of mobile ticketing (a major issue of ferry operations worldwide) and a system for highly accurate crowd counting and operational telematics.
Training, a hot topic because of newly required competencies will include in-depth case studies highlighting eLearning, and innovative brick and mortar training centers. Experts from North America, Europe and Asia will give the presentations.
Bekir Sitka Ustaoglu, IMO TCD Asia Pacific chief, will present the award for best international student ferry design competition at the cocktail reception.
General registration is $350 plus a processing fee. Student rates are available. You can register at: https://ferrysafetyconference.squarespace.com/