Sea-Doo is developing geo-fencing technology – which uses built-in GPS to pinpoint location and speed – that would alert Jet Ski riders about ‘no-go’ areas and low-speed zones, to encourage safer riding and combat dangerous behaviour.
In an exclusive interview with Watercraft Zone at Sea-Doo’s annual global dealer conference in Orlando Florida USA, Sea-Doo’s Director of Product Strategy, James Heinz, repeated concerns about the negative impact on the sport caused by a handful of rogue riders.
The senior executive revealed Sea-Doo is already working on technology that emits a loud warning beep that forces riders to slow down or correct course in restricted areas.
Sea-Doo could also, in theory, reduce engine power in low-speed zones, however this idea is yet to be floated.
Above: Police patrol a beach popular with swimmers and Jet Ski riders.
“Unfortunately in all parts of the world where (personal watercraft) are sold, there is an undesirable element – and people who ride dangerously,” James Heinz told Watercraft Zone.
“We all love adrenaline and going fast. But the damage that we’re doing is that – even those customers who can afford to pay the fines – they will effectively ruin our ability to use watercraft (in those areas).
“So if they love riding a personal watercraft, they need to help us be part of the solution. They need to do the right thing.”
Above: NSW Police have ramped up Jet Ski patrols in recent years to combat hoon behaviour.
When asked what manufacturers such as Sea-Doo can do to combat bad behaviour on the water, Mr Heinz said:
“From a (manufacturer) standpoint there are three things that we’re focussed on right now.
“The first one is expanding the range of models to include packaged craft such as the Sea-Doo Fish Pro and Sea-Doo Explorer Pro.
“Because if all you do is make watercraft designed to go fast and spin in circles, then that’s what people are going to do. So that’s why we have broadened our model line-up, to encourage new ways to enjoy this sport.
“The second element is education. We have a responsible rider program where we focus on educating about go-slow zones and distances off other people and other vessels.
Above: An artist impression of how geo-fencing could be applied to Jet Skis. For Sea-Doo the warnings would appear on the 10.25-inch display (below).
“A lot of times what we find is the bad behaviour is unintentional. People just don’t know the rules. So we need to educate riders better.
“And the third element we are looking at is technology on the water that will help riders know when they are in a go-slow zone or a no-go zone.
“We are already working on technical solutions to help riders do the right thing.”
Sea-Doo has already introduced geo-fencing technology on some models in Japan and is looking to roll out the system in other markets.
“In Japan last year, we saw an a huge wave of regulation come in,” James Heinz told Watercraft Zone.
“So now in Japan we provide navigation charts on the new 10.25-inch display that allows riders to see in real time the no-go zones, and the go-slow zones.
“As they are approaching an area that is out of bounds – or has speed restrictions – the rider gets a warning on the 10.25-inch display advising them to turn around or slow down.
“The rider is alerted in a fairly annoying way that they are in a no-go zone, and the craft will continue to alert the rider until they leave that zone.”
When asked if future Sea-Doo models sold in other markets – such as the US and Australia – could be equipped with geo-fencing technology, James Heinz told Watercraft Zone:
“We’re working actively on expanding that program right now. It’s almost like speed-sign recognition technology in cars, except it’s navigation based.
“The challenge at the moment is gathering the data and making sure it’s up to date. You can imagine the quantity of data required, it’s huge.”
When asked what message Sea-Doo would have for waterway authorities and policymakers, James Heinz said:
“I would say please come to the table and let’s discuss a solution together. Because the worst thing that can happen is … (authorities) introduce more regulations, but don’t solve the problem.
“We want to show waterway authorities what we are working on to improve rider behaviour.
“Let’s build the regulation around this together and let’s truly address the problem.
“Higher taxation and licensing fees are not solving the problem, because it’s not keeping the hooligans out of the sport. So let’s work together to find solutions that work.”
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