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Steve Knox Selected to Chair ABYC's New Product Interface Committee Work Gets Underway!
May 14, 2007, Annapolis, MD: Steve Knox, President of Knox Marine Consultants has been chosen by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) to Chair the new Product Interface project technical committee (PTC). Knox is a marine surveyor from Richmond, Virginia, whose marine survey practice just celebrated their 20th business anniversary. Knox Marine Consultants specializes in damage survey and accident investigation. Steve has worked in almost every aspect of the marine business, from the engineering department of a nuclear submarine to marine survey. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in Nuclear Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer. Knox is a Charter Member of SAMS. He teaches regularly and offers a number of classes for the marine survey and insurance industries.
Under Steve's direction, the Product Interface Committee held its first meeting March 27 - 28 in Baltimore, MD. This committee is the 18th ABYC PTC, and is charged to identify and address hazard mitigation strategies surrounding the human interface with boats and their associated equipment.
To cite an example, John Adey, ABYC's Technical Director, explained that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is currently exploring the idea of requiring manufacturers to install an engine cutoff device. Currently, no standard exists for these devices. In response to this Coast Guard topic, the newly formed committee's first order of business will be to review engine cutoff devices and develop or revise standards to address this issue.
At the first meeting, the committee started work on a new standard for engine cutoff devices. A subcommittee is expected to have a draft standard later this year. Knox also appointed a subcommittee to investigate occupant protection issues. Another subcommittee is investigating possible changes to ABYC Standard H-41 concerning boarding ladders.
The committee also took on two long-term projects. The first deals with a study of perception-response times. Perception time is the amount of time it takes an operator to recognize that a hazard exists. For example, to see an approaching boat and recognize that there is a danger of collision. Response time is the time it takes the operator to formulate an appropriate response and put it into action. To continue the example, to decide that the other boat will have the right of way, and the rules of the road dictate that he turns right, and then to turn the wheel, initiating a turn.
The second is studying ergonomics of operation. Ergonomics of operation is the design of the operator's station to maximize utility while minimizing hazards. For example: The placement of various electronics and gages in such a position that they are easily visible by the operator, without blocking his forward visibility.
The Product Interface Committee will hold its next meeting September 6 and 7, 2007, in conjunction with the meeting of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in Burlington, Vermont. Anyone interested in attending the committee meeting, or receiving committee mailings, may contact Helen Koepper, ABYC Technical Department Coordinator at hkoepper@abycinc.org or (410) 990-4460.
ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for over 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as education and certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, online (Web-STIR) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.
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