An innovative boating app invented by an award-winning Port Stephens entrepreneur designed to help boaters, sailors and fishing enthusiasts stay safe on the water is making giant strides in the world of business technology.
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Former Tomaree High School student Mike McKiernan devised Deckee.com some five years ago to provide boat owners a trusted source for boating services, a platform to share reviews and knowledge, and a simple solution for businesses to win more customers.
McKiernan's latest achievement has been to secure partnerships with government maritime authorities in both NSW and Tasmania.
"After completing high school I spent several years working at d'Albora marinas in Nelson Bay where I assisted boaters on a daily basis," he said.
"It became clear that there was a gap in the market for an app and website that could bring the boating community together and compile all the information they need to stay safe and informed on the water. "
Within the first year of setting up his website Deckee.com, the 29-year-old from Anna Bay had collected a Best Tourism Solution gong in the annual NEWi Awards for Digital Creativity and Best Startup in the 2015 Australian Web Awards.
Five years later and the team - including solo round-the-world sailor Jessica Watson - behind Deckee has achieved another business milestone.
"We are proud to reveal that Deckee has received $580,000 in funding from investors to date, and secured partnerships with government maritime authorities," McKiernan said.
"The free mobile app and website is designed to help all water enthusiasts stay safe and informed by combining crowd-sourced reports from the community, weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology and official maritime data and alerts all in the one place."
McKiernan said that official partnerships with Transport for NSW and Marine and Safety Tasmania had resulted in a variety of helpful marine data sources being made available to boaters through the Deckee Boating app, including public mooring locations, anchorages, boat ramps, speed zones and more.
"Receiving government endorsements means we can now give boaters easy access to the information, tools and the community network they need to make the most of their time on the water."
The app, already being used by thousands of Australian boaters who enjoy the marine lifestyle in a variety of ways, are packed with an extensive list of features that benefit all marine pursuits, including cruising, fishing, sailing, and pleasure boating. Interested boaters can visit Deckee.com or download the free app.
