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r ^ REVIEW Setting A New Course The proliferation of navigation and communications system and component technological advances during recent years is staggering. Companies around the globe are pumping R&D money into creating products that will help vessel owners operate their fleets more safely, economically and efficiently. The pay-off on this investment is potentially huge, as new and pending international, national and regional regulations demand that owners take appropriate measures to operate safely. This will mean hundreds of millions of dollars worth of new equipment will have to be purchased for newbuildings and re-fits alike. The ensuing pages detail the latest news and happenings from the navigation and communications equipment market. Station 12 To Invest In Mini-M Satellite Expansion Station 12 has introduced a new global service designed to offer mobile satellite communications to organizations which either seek to communicate independently of conventional telecommunications service or establish communica- l&M Offers MaxSea ECD For The Fishing Industry Informatique & Mer (I&M) MaxSea provides Electronic Chart Display (ECD) for use in professional fishing. MaxSea is a fully multi-task sys- tem which allows the user to utilize several programs simultaneously. For example, it is possible to use Inmarsat C software while running MaxSea and recording the track. MaxSea provides simple access to important worldwide libraries of charts produced by various international manufacturers. Connected to various positioning devices, GPS or DGPS, Loran, Decca, Loran or Syledis, MaxSea displays and records the tracks in various colors on the chart. Vectorial charts available on floppy disks provide the possibility of access to a worldwide database. MaxSea is compatible with official electronic charts — ARCS of the British Admiralty and vectorial DX90 of the International Hydrographic Office. For more information on Informatique & Mer Circle 65 on Reader Service Card tions where such facilities do not exist. The company can reportedly provide hardware and software services and will offer users vari- ous levels of subscription to suit volumes of usage. "We are making a major invest- ment in this area, as we see this as the ultimate mobile connection. This service brings communica- tions to any corner of the world, even where public telephone ser- vices do not exist ... This also cre- ates a major new market opportu- nity for many telecommunications service providers," said a company spokesperson. For more information on Station 12 Circle 66 on Reader Service Card Inmarsat To Launch New Phone Voice Services Inmarsat is launching the Inmarsat-phone system, support- ing a family of portable global phones. The newest Inmarsat- phone voice services are now avail- able to 80 percent of the world's land-mass, following the successful September launch of the second of Inmarsat's new satellites. The Inmarsat-phone range supports a wide range of models, with light- weight versions available for indi- vidual travelers, terminals and dynamic satellite tracking anten- nas. Kelvin Hughes Premiers New Products At SMM At the recent SMM show, Kelvin Hughes debuted two new products: a radar specifically designed to meet the needs of high speed craft; and a version of the NINAS inte- grated bridge system adapted to meet DNV requirements. The new radar, designated Nucleus 2 5000, has its display available in three versions — standalone or pedestal- mounted, both with controls locat- ed on display front; or as a remote unit with its controls incorporated in the operator's seat. The radar has been designed and manufac- tured to meet all current and impending IMO legislation relat- ing to high speed craft. Kelvin Hughes has developed the NINAS 9000 DNV to satisfy the requirements of DNV. The system retains all the design advances of the NINAS 9000 equipment family, but features a shorter, central con- sole allowing for better access between both sides of the integrat- ed bridge system. For more information on Kelvin Hughes Circle 59 on Reader Service Card Cygnus Revamps Cygnus 1 Gauge Cygnus Instruments has intro- duced the revised Cygnus 1 Intrinsically Safe Model gauge. These gauges are used in the marine industry for measuring wall thicknesses of decks, bulk- heads, tanks and hull plates. The new Cygnus 1 features an enlarged display; enhanced multiple echo measuring technique with signal strength indicator; increased bat- tery life; and an automated low battery warning. For more information on Cygnus Instruments Circle 61 on Reader Service Card 78 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
