22 | WATERLINE September 2025 FEATURE DOCKSIDE UTILITIES CLEANING PORTS: A GROWING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVE By Antione Repiton-Preneuf, Business Development Manager - Asia Pacific, The Searial Cleaners MOB SAFETY SYSTEMS AND EMERGENCY EGRESS SOLUTIONS Maintaining clean ports is no easy task, especially as pollution levels continue to rise in many maritime hubs. Tackling this issue demands substantial human resources and sustained investment throughout the year, often peaking during periods of mass tourism. An analysis of the volume of waste collected in a single port over the course of a year, cross-referenced with the time and manpower required for collection, reveals a sobering reality: pollution is not decreasing. On the contrary, it is becoming an entrenched, recurring problem. It is worth noting that 90% of marine litter originates from coastal areas. That means ports, marinas, and beaches are the last frontlines where we can intercept waste before it drifts into the open ocean, and eventually, into the infamous "seventh continent" of plastic. These are the spaces where we can still make a difference, and they are territories we know well. Innovative and complementary waste collection solutions designed to combat physical marine pollution in inland waters and along coastlines are critically important. By leveraging advanced technology and a deep understanding of how different types of waste behave in marine environments, waste collection devices can deploy efficient, adaptive solutions tailored to the unique challenges of each port, ultimately reducing the operational burden on port authorities. The location of collection devices must be strategic. Careful study of ocean currents that carry debris into harbours, existing infrastructure, and local topography should be taken into consideration. Whether placed along docks or operating near mooring zones, the devices collect floating waste in rhythm with the water’s natural movement and some are capable of collecting up to 300 litres of waste per day. To conclude, maintaining clean ports is not just a matter of aesthetics but a crucial step in preserving our marine ecosystems. By implementing strategic waste collection solutions and leveraging advanced technology, we can significantly reduce the pollution levels in our ports and coastal areas. This collective effort will not only protect marine life but also ensure that our waters remain safe and clean for future generations. It is a responsibility that we must all share and act upon with urgency and dedication. For more information contact: Antione Repiton-Preneuf at a.repiton@searial-cleaners.com Unassisted emergency water egress solutions are an essential consideration for any marina. Any person or facility who has experienced a man overboard situation from the marina will understand the potentially dire consequences. The first issue tends to be raising the alarm. The Man Overboard Alarm System is a great solution and is a simple pull cord under the pontoon deck which when activated sounds an audible alarm to raise attention and notify marina management of the location of the person in distress. The Man Overboard Alarm System was the winner of the Marinas22 Innovation Showcase. Even if there is someone around to alert others for assistance, the challenge is then to safely assist the person out of the water and onto the pontoon. While it may sound easy, hoisting your own body weight, often clothed, up onto a pontoon often 50cm or more above the water is very challenging even for the super fit! If there is someone around to assist, great, but injuries sustained while being hauled out are common, from dislocated shoulders to cuts from marine growth. Marina safety ladders are a must to consider for any marina installation. The number of, placement and visibility of ladders is critical, the fire hydrants on your marina may be a good guide as to placement. The Esea Out Safety Ladder is a great solution to water egress. It is easy to deploy from the dock or in the water, is easy to install and lightweight. Paul Cave, Marina Manager Tumby Bay Marina, South Australia says “After reviewing various safety ladder options, we chose the Esea Out Safety Ladder because of it's easy to use lightweight design. It can hold up to 250kg of dry weight but will leave virtually no footprint on the marina. It can be stowed in an upright or horizontal position. We chose the vertical, and with the fitment parts supplied, I installed them myself in no time. The lanyard and handle sit just above the waterline making it easily accessible. Should anyone fall into the water, they only need pull on the handle to deploy the ladder and climb out unassisted." Marinas need to consider the risk of drownings by accidental falls from the marina and consider the egress solutions available. For more information or to see the Esea Out ladder in action go to: www.eseaout.com.au Marina/Pontoon Safety Ladder Esea Out Safety Ladder installed at Tumby Bay Marina
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