Feature 4 | COMMUNICATIONS & NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT Hands-free chatter
Tidal Transit is one of the first marine operators to order a hands-free onboard comms system from equipment distributor Mantsbrite
for its David Clark Marine Wireless Headset range, for which the group became sole UK distributor in 2012. Te headsets were supplied to offshore wind farm crew transfer operator Tidal Transit, for trials aboard the latter group’s 20m x 8m, 12-passenger sister vessels Ginny Louise and Eden Rose. The David Clark Marine Wireless
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Headset was originally developed for use in the aeronautical sector and, according to Mantsbrite managing director David Ash, can be utilised aboard any type of vessel, as well as by ROV and crane operators. “Originally, Tidal Transit wanted to use the headsets on the vessels’ foredecks, when clearing personnel to mount the turbines as the vessels were touching-on,” says Ash. “One person on deck would be using the headset to communicate directly with the pilot, via a
lectronic equipment supplier Mantsbrite reports that it has secured the first maritime order
The David Clark Marine Wireless Headset allows crew to communicate in a hands- free manner
hands-free receiver in the wheelhouse, to ensure safe disembarkation.”
Customisable options Fashioned from marine grade components, the headsets are reported to guarantee a clear reception within a 100m range. Ash explains that the system can be customised to meet operators’ requirements; for instance, one common
Crew entertainment from Imtech
Imtech Marine has developed an internet protocol television (IPTV) solution, enabling crews offshore to access multimedia services, such as satellite/terrestrial TV feeds, video-on-demand, radio and audio streams, text and graphics, over IP networks. IM IPTV, as it has been dubbed, was created in tandem with Belgian dredging company Jan De Nul, which has subsequently rolled out the service across its entire fleet, in order to encourage crew welfare and a higher likelihood of staff retention. A spokesperson for Jan de Nul comments: “Our crew is on duty 12 hours a day, for six weeks at a time…after work, it is important for them to have the possibility to relax.” Users, for instance, can access recent blockbuster films thanks to distribution deals signed with Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Universal and Warner Bros, among others, and films / TV footage can be watched in the crew’s living quarters, with one channel allocated per cabin. The operator can pay for this service up front and on a monthly basis. The shipping company can also use the system to disseminate important company-specific information, such as crew rota changes, operator updates and full safety procedures. The system can also be integrated with VSAT, enabling remote access and trouble-shooting in the event of disruption to coverage.
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configuration would be to install a base station (which could also be worn as a clip-on attachment by a crew member) and simply distribute the headsets to key members of personnel. Alternatively, an option exists to configure the headsets to plug into conventional onboard radio equipment, which would slash costs significantly. Voice-activated models can also be supplied, for those operators who do not wish their crews to have to fiddle about with buttons, enabling them to keep both hands free throughout the duration of the exercise. During the sea trials, Tidal Transit
also discovered another potential use for the headsets. Leo Hambro, Tidal Transit director, recalls: “When we carried out a man overboard [MOB] rescue exercise, the crew member on deck was able to move freely, giving very clear instructions to the crew on the bridge, thus avoiding accidental harm to the casualty in the water.” When attempting to rescue a MOB, one of operators’ biggest fears is accidentally hitting said casualty with the side of the vessel, which could easily make an already desperate situation worse. Ash estimates that the cost of providing a
base station and headsets for four members of crew would be in the region of GBP£4,500 (US$7,000). Since the trials were completed, Tidal Transit has also ordered the headsets for a third sister vessel, Tia Elizabeth, which is set to be delivered in May this year. SBI
The headsets have a range of 100m
Ship & Boat International May/June 2013
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