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Lindenau Yard Delivers Seismic Research Vessel To Western Geophysical After a rebuilding period of only three months, the Lindenau Ship- yard in Kiel, West Germany, recent- ly delivered the seismic research vessel Western Challenger (shown above), the latest addition to the seismic fleet of Western Geophysi- cal Company, a Litton subsidiary. With an overall length of almost 319 feet, the rebuilt ship is one of the largest of its type in the world, and is fitted with state-of-the-art geophysical equipment including an LRS-16, 480-channel, full digital re- cording system and telemetry streamer cable. The Challenger will be operated by Western's Europe/ Africa/Middle East Division head- quartered in London. Initial testing and trials were done in the North Sea, though the ship is classed for worldwide opera- tion. With a cruising speed of 16 knots, the costly travel time be- tween survey areas will be reduced significantly. Main propulsion is provided by two Deutz 8 M 358 diesel engines, each with an output of 2,500 bhp at 325 bhp. These drive an Escher- Wyss propeller unit and two shaft generators. The ship is equipped with West- ern's high-pressure (4,500-psi) air guns, but with the capability of shooting much larger arrays due to a doubling of the total on-board air compressor capability. Main rebuilding work included: extension and part renewal of exist- ing accommodations for 60 persons; installation of the seismic equip- ment; fitting out of a compressor room including installation of five electric-driven, 4,500-psi compres- sors; installation of a new electric- driven bow thruster; and integration of a helicopter deck atop the new aft deckhouse. NMEA Plans to Expand Electronics Technician Certification Program The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) recently an- nounced plans to upgrade and ex- pand its Certified Marine Electron- ics Technician (CMET) program, which provides minimum qualifica- tions for proficiency in installing and repairing marine electronics equipment. According to NMEA president Gerald A. Gutman, the CMET program is expected to assume greater importance as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) de-emphasizes its licensing activities. "Formerly, one could measure a technician's competence by the class of FCC license he held," said Mr. Gutman. "But the FCC is moving out of the licensing busi- ness, and this will leave a void in our industry." An important goal of the CMET program is to give marine electron- ics dealers and manufacturers an identifiable pool of skilled techni- cians, while also giving the techni- cians themselves demonstrable evi- December 15, 1984 7 1 Hose-McCann Introduces Dial Telephone System —Literature Available After two years of technological and marketing research, Hose- McCann Telephone Company of Englewood, N.J., has developed a completely new automatic dial tele- phone system. The modular, solid- state system has been developed ex- clusively for the maritime indus- tries. The company's primary objective was to build a marine communica- tions system with the highest degree or reliability, flexibility, and op- timum performance. Known as the Series 9000, this system is said to have many features never before available in marine telephone ex- changes. Most features are included as standard equipment; some op- tional features are available for spe- cial requirements. According to Hose-McCann vice president of marketing Dean Uva, the Series 9000 will provide marine personnel with a sophisticated sys- tem equal to the finest land-based telephone system. For further information and a new brochure on the Series 9000, Circle 48 on Reader Service Card New Multi-Voltage Lights From Perko —Literature Available Perko, Inc. of Miami, Fla. has added two new multi-voltage all- around lights to its line of naviga- tion lights. Both lights feature a double con- tact Bayonet socket for 12, 24, 32 or 120 volts. They are designed for power driven vessels and meet the U.S. Coast Guard requirements un- der 72 Colregs for use on vessels under 50 meters (164 feet). For literature containing full in- formation, Circle 47 on Reader Service Card dence of their competence in their field. The maritime industry at -e is also expected to benefit from the establishment of standard- ized qualifications, stated Mr. Gut- man. The NMEA has established three levels of certification: Certified (CMET), Advanced (ACMET) and Senior Grade (SGMET). The pro- gram is open to all technicians in the marine electronics industry, regard- less of whether they are members of the NMEA. Since the inception of the program in 1981, more than 100 technicians have received NMEA certification. The NMEA is a trade association of marine electronics manufactur- ers, distributors and retailers, dedi- cated to enhancing professionalism in all segments of the industry. The NMEA sponsors programs aimed at improving product excellence, building technical competence among its members, encouraging good business management and fair business practices, overseeing gov- ernment policy-making and educat- ing the user public. For futher details and CMET ap- plication forms, Circle 12 on Reader Service Card Free your moorings 4 times faster! 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