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Boating Companion Innovation Challenge


About the Challenge

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) asked app developers to pitch to us on the development of a boating companion app to provide recreational boat users with information and tools for a safe and enjoyable journey! Maritime datasets were made available to incorporate to assist in the development of the app.

Features to be included in the app:

  1. Weather alerts and conditions, showing swell, tides and wind etc.

  2. Safety Alerts

  3. Maps showing facilities for boat-ramps, restricted speed zones, navigational aids, fishing zones, marinas etc.

  4. Safety Checklists including information such as lifejacket requirements, for your vessel and planned trip

  5. Geographical coverage of NSW and its borders at a minimum; and other jurisdictions from around Australia as a desirable

  6. Safety alerts and other notifications to be provided by Transport for NSW and RMS as a feed to be communicated via in app notifications. Note the feed is in development and will be published and available via the Open Data hub.


Following a successful inubation phase, Deckee was chosen to be officially endorsed by Transport for NSW.

Deckee is a social app that helps boaters explore the waterways safely through community-based contributions. Users can share fishing and anchorage reports, find local marine services, view safety alerts and weather conditions, and helps with boat insurance - all in one app!

Download for free on iOS and Android now!


Further Information

There were top 10 priority safety issues from the Maritime Safety Plan which ideally needed to be addressed by a consumer based app:

  • Poor Judgement: Poor judgement or lack of judgement are usually amongst other top causes for incidents.
  • Lifejacket Wear: Lifejackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on any recreational vessel. An approved lifejacket must be carried for each person on board most vessels.
  • Personal Watercraft (PWC) Risk Management: PWC are defined as vessels with a fully enclosed hull that may be driven standing up, lying down, sitting astride or kneeling, a definition which includes jet powered surfboards and jetskis.
  • Towing Activities: This includes on water “towing” such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing and similar sports such as wake surfing. 
  • Cold Water - risks due to cold water shock and hypothermia.
  • Paddle/Oared Craft Risk Management: Canoes and kayaks are classified as paddle-craft. These vessels are small and sit low in the water, making them difficult to see for boaters in other vessels under certain conditions (e.g. rough weather, or low visibility).
  • Speed: All vessels must travel at a safe speed at all times. A safe speed cannot be expressed as a maximum or minimum number of knots because it varies with circumstances and conditions.
  • Excess Alcohol: When afloat, coordination, judgement, vision, balance and reaction time can decline up to three times faster after consuming alcohol. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence. Permissible concentration of alcohol limits are as follows:
    • 0.00 for recreational vessel operators under 18 years of age
    • Less than 0.05 for recreational vessel operators over 18 years of age.
  • Weather Conditions: Weather conditions and lack of preparation and planning pose a significant threat to the boating public. 
  • Proper Lookout: The skipper is responsible at all times for keeping a lookout for dangers.

The focus of the app should consider the above concerns and at a minimum be able to provide safety information and information on marinas and facilities.

The applicant(s) were given early access to Maritime datasets and have access to boating experts. Transport for NSW and RMS assisted with the incubation process in building an app that can be endorsed by government agencies and meets customers’ expectations. Transport for NSW and RMS provided marketing of the endorsed app via existing communications and marketing channels.

Challenge Dates 
Applications Open - Monday 27th November 2017 
Information Night - Tuesday 5th December 2017 at 6pm 
Applications Close - Friday 19th of January 2018

Information Session