The Logan SES (QLD) Unit successfully conducted its 2023-24 Serviceability Inspection for water night safety on the Logan River. Key to this was identification of the Rotamarkas installed by V-TOL Rota-Fix™ Drone in 2022.

The Logan SES Unit deployed its Boat Teams after dark on 27 September 2023 as a function of their flood season preparations on the Logan River. They inspected the installations conducted with Balmoral Engineering, SICAME Australia and EQL personnel on the 6-7 September 2022. Attached to power lines crossing the river, these Rotamarkas were installed to prevent ground strike by SES Boat Crews and to assist with safe navigation of the river during flood events at night.

In some areas of the river we have seen the conductors appear at head height due to rising water making navigation extremely dangerous for my crews. During the March 2022 flood, a night rescue had to be called off due to the uncertainty of where the potentially live conductors were located and due to the river breaking its banks making safe navigation very difficult. If the Rotamarkas are installed at the center of the river on the conductors, not only can we see them and the power lines, but we can also ensure we are moving over the safest part of the river during these events.

Craig Guy SES Logan Deputy Local Controller

Of the Rotamarkas; “from water they are very effective and easy to spot with our handheld lights,” said Craig.  Of the installations; “all 4 Locations that have them are still in the same place as when installed,” he continued.

On behalf of V-TOL and the organizations that took part in this activity, we thank Craig and his Unit for supplying their independent Rotamarka Status Report & Findings that validate the work conducted last year using the V-TOL Rota-Fix™ Drone installation approach. The next serviceability asset inspection date will be released in October 2024 at digitaltwin.energy.