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  US Show donates to Caribbean fund, clearer Great Barrier Reef permits | | Donations to assist in relief efforts for areas affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria Andrew Golden/Rushton Gregory Communications |
It is always a ‘feel good' story when news of the boating industry assisting a community get back on its feet, even if it is a long way from home. The Newport International Boat Show, held in Newport Rhode Island, announced today that it has committed $15,000 to various organizations helping to assist those in the Caribbean islands affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“Our industry is like a tight knit family, when a disaster like this impacts so many lives, it affects us all. We are collaborating with on-the-ground organizations that are delivering much needed services, goods, supplies and supplies for use throughout the USVI, British Virgin Islands and sister islands,” said Nancy Piffard, Show Director.
 | | Donations to assist in relief efforts for areas affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria Andrew Golden/Rushton Gregory Communications |
It was hard not to notice the size of outboard motors at the recent Sydney International Boat Show. 150-500hp outboards are now common place, and with massive developments in noise reduction and fuel efficiencies it's no wonder that government departments are now including them in their tendering processes. Recently the Royal Australian Navy took delivery of six new 7.6 metre RIBs, the first of their kind, each sporting a pair of 175hp Mercury OptiMax DSI diesel outboards. What makes these boats special is the fact they are powered by outboards at all. For many years, the RAN has had a ban on outboards because traditional petrol engines, and the fuel itself, were considered too flammable to be aboard warships.
 | | DSI diesel outboard Mercury Marine |
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of the world and a huge revenue earner for Australia has made headlines over the past few years for a variety of reasons revolving around a warming ocean and the effect that has on the coral, with much of it succumbing to bleaching.
Today the new, clearer application and assessment process for permits to operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park comes in to effect immediately. It applies to new applications for activities within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park which are regulated by permits. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority director Dr Kirstin Dobbs said it aimed to increase the transparency and rigour of assessment, while maintaining strong levels of environmental protection.
 | | New assessment approach for Marine Park permits GBRMPA |
“We've seen an increase in the number and complexity of permit applications recently and the improvements will reduce regulatory and administrative burdens and improve the consistency of the decision-making process,” she said.
“We know certain activities pose a low risk to the values of the Marine Park so we have introduced a new standardised permit to cover these activities. “This approach will help reduce the time spent assessing these applications so we can focus our efforts on more complex projects.”
 | | Now, long-handled aluminum tools won't scratch or sink © Shurhold |
On the product front, and for all those industry members who need to keep their boats in pristine condition, Shurhold Industries have introduced a useful cleaning mop custom made for cleaning the sides of boats. Boat hooks and brush handles can accidentally scratch and mar fine boat finishes. Their patented Handle Mate PFD slips over the aluminium shaft of its Telescoping and Fixed Length Handles to protect gelcoat, paint and chrome.
 | | HL new Deck Grip profile - Red - Sole Amy Grealish |
For sailors, Henri Lloyd's sailing trainers are engineered to provide sailors with durable, lightweight, and breathable properties whilst always delivering high levels of comfort and on deck grip. This new third generation Deck Grip Profile retains the benefits of its predecessors but with a striking contemporary look.
AveagoodenPeter Rendle, Sail-World.com
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