Send in the drones

Abstract

Design is a transformation process. The idea is to transform problems into solutions through creative design thinking. With guidance from Dr Lawrence Farrugia, Daniela Quacinella, and Dr Sarah Pulé, we (Benjamin Farrugia and Andrea Gerada) have researched and designed a conceptual product-service which could revolutionise the marine fire rescue industry using drone technology. Fires do not wait for help to arrive; delays cause fires to amplify. According to our research, it seems that drones and smart technology are already being put to good use to fight both bushfires and urban fires, but not marine fires. Water is not used to combat fire on ships as it can flood and sink them. Meanwhile, employing chemicals to fight fires at sea only leads to more environmental pollution. It goes without saying that a ship is not a building. Marine firefighting is different! [excerpt]