Presentation on the NASBLA Staged Collisions Project

1. NASBLA Staged Collisions Project

2. NASBLA Staged Collisions Project by CAPT. James E. Getz Illinois Conservation Police (Ret.) Project Coordinator Presented at the annual NASBLA conference September 9, 2008

3. The primary purpose for this project is to answer that age-old question…

11. All boats are outfitted with remote controlled steering & throttle.

12. Photo documentation of existing damage precedes each collision.

14. and photographed…extensively

15. Existing damage was documented,

16. and documented.

17. Longitudinal CG is determined

18. GPS instrumentation is installed on each vessel 1 – MaxQGPS (5 Hz) 2 – Garmin GPS (1 Hz)

20. We experimented with camcorders on some of the boats.

21. We attempted to provide adequate protection for our boat operators, but that didn’t work.

22. So, other volunteers were solicited as boat operators.

23. The daily routine starts.

24. Final preparations are made for a day on the water.

26. The still and movie cameras are ready, and the high speed cameras are ready.

27. Test runs are conducted… and the boats are staged.

28. We aim for the mark… and marvel at the results.

29. After the collision… instrumentation is removed,

30. On-site photos are taken, and the boats are towed back to the trailers for transport.

31. Back on shore, the collision damage is documented…

32. and documented…

33. and documented… and documented.

34. At the end of each day, a final review is conducted by the forensic team…

35. And our boat operators rest for their next assignment.

36. The End NOT! The second round of staged collisions is scheduled for this fall. This is only the beginning!

37. Next, we are going to test some long-standing theories Such as one of the most perplexing questions…

38. What happens when you swallow bubble gum?

39. Questions?