Marine Safety

During the design phase of the M/V Spirit of Kona over 100 years of scientific data on vessel vs. marine life collisions was studied and considered.  The following are just two facts that resulted in design modifications:

1. Of vessels less than 100 feet in length, vessels 27 foot or less have the greater number of incidents of collisions with surface marine life.  (I.e. Whales, surface feeding animals like manta rays, turtles, whale sharks etc.)  Utilizing this data, the Spirit of Kona’s underwater lighting and glass bottom wells were designed to be over 27 feet away from propellers and rudders.
2. With the increase of vessel speeds since the advent of steam power through internal combustion engines, data studied shows that during speeds over 12 knots per hour the probability of collisions with surface marine life (i.e. Whales, surface feeding animals like manta rays, turtles, whale sharks etc.) increases exponentially.  Utilizing this data, Blue Sea Cruises limits all its vessels speeds to less than 12 knots per hour. 

The Makai was the perfect choice for Blue Sea Cruises manta ray snorkeling tours.   The Makai has tunnel drive, which means the propellers, and rudders are tucked up in to the hull.  This is an important feature for mooring in manta ray areas, as mantas are known to swim along boat hulls attracted by the minimal deck lighting.  The Makai’s deep draft of 5 feet non-only allows for a more stable ride and comfortable sit at moorings.  It also allows for a deep reaching dive ladder that does not protrude below the hull into the water column.  This is an additional safety feature for manta rays that can collide with dive ladders not protected by the boat hull.