Challenges and Benefits in Inland River Towing Industry
Ingram Marine Group presented on the challenges and benefits faced by the Inland River Towing Industry due to changing technology and dynamic river conditions. Operating in close proximity to shore, structures, and shifting sand bars poses navigational challenges. The use of various tools like GPS, AIS, and electronic navigation systems aids in enhancing safety and efficiency. Looking ahead, integration of weather and lock information, real-time data sources, and detailed river current features are on the industry's wish list for future advancements.
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Presentation Transcript
INGRAM MARINE GROUP PRESENTATION TO Hydrographic Services Review Panel The Challenges and Benefits the Inland River Towing Industry Faces with Changing Technology and Dynamic River conditions Matt Lagarde AVP Safety, Training and Compliance
The Nature of Our Business We operate in close proximity to shore, shoals, structures and each other. The channel conditions change often with rising river levels and shifting sand bars. Barges slide, they don t continue along a predetermined path.
The Nature of Our Business We must operate as close as possible to buoy lines on southbound trips in order to avoid sliding into the bank on the bottom of the turn. We must operate on the edges of the channel on upbound trips to maximize speed and maneuverability in the slack water. Eddys create problems and advantages during navigation. Pilots must learn to read the river taking note of local knowledge, river current tells and local landmarks.
The Tools We Use GPS/Swing Meter AIS Electronic Navigation Systems Traditional Paper Charts USCG Local Notice to Mariners River Gauges and Forecasts Weather Forecasts Lock Information Hurricane Center Information
Electronic Chart Benefits Currency Accuracy of Position Detail Overlay of AIS information 2 Min Predictions Closest Point of Approach
Electronic Chart Challenges Lost ability for detailed notes Content dictated by agency
The Future Asks Integration of weather, river forecast info and lock info into single data source. Real time bridge clearance data Real time lock queue and dam output data 3D Bottom Contouring
Wish List Ability of the system to show river current features including Outdrafts Cross currents Eddys Display system of this data similar to Video Game Golf where the system displays arrows across the putting green showing how the ball might be expected to roll. Having detailed information about current characteristics prior to arriving at a particular point such as a bridge or lock is invaluable.
