Agenda Item: 12(c)
Prepared By: Chris Byrne, Fire Chief
Business: Consent Agenda Item
Department: Fire Rescue
Subject:
Title
Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Change Order to Metal Shark Boats for Technology Improvements to the Fire Rescue Vessel Currently Under Construction in the Amount of $72,385.65 - Chris Byrne, Fire Chief, Fire Rescue Department
Body
BACKGROUND:
On April 10, 2023, the City of Marco Island City Council approved the execution of a contract with Metal Shark Boats for acquisition of a new Metal Shark 38 Defiant NXT Fire Rescue Vessel.
During the engineering phase of the Fire Rescue Vessel pre-build, the manufacturer, MetalShark Boats, has proposed a new fully integrated AVX electronic control system. This control system was not available at the time the specifications were developed for the Fireboat which is currently designed with manual controls. The AVX electronic control system is now the standard on all MetalShark Fireboats.
This precision maneuvering of the electronic control system results in improved operational safety for victims requiring rescue or medical assistance and for the Firefighters performing marine fire rescue services.
Currently, manual controls require the operator to utilize four (4) control levers and steering wheel to operate the two engines and jets. This requires significant skill and experience of the Operator in close quarter precision maneuvering situations.
Close quarter precision maneuvering includes situations in which the Fireboat is approaching a victim in the water, positioning alongside a vessel to put out a fire, pulling up to a dock to unload a patient or holding at a fixed position. These situations are further complicated by environmental conditions such as wind, tide, and sea conditions.
The proposed AVX electronic control system incorporates GPS technology to automate the operation of the engines and jets resulting in pinpoint accurate maneuvering while compensating...
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