View non-flash version
Marine Electronics • Integrated Bridge Solutions JRC Proposes Integrated Nautical Safety System In the past decade more than 25,000 accidents have been caused by ships maneuvering under adverse environ- mental or traffic conditions. A leading cause of many of these accidents - by some estimates up to 70 or 80 percent - are due to "human error," confirmed by the fact that international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are dedicating sig- nificant time and resources to studying the problem and developing solutions. The marine electronics community has used this trend to steadily build com- plete bridge systems which are increas- ingly integrated "plug and play" units. A high level of corporate consolidations has significantly aided this trend. An example of complete integration is the Integrated Nautical Safety Systems - dubbed OceanExplorer II - from Japan Radio Co. OceanExplorer II is designed to reduce, by ergonomic improvement, the working environment such as the design of the workstation and the man/machine interfaces. It is, in princi- ple, designed in accordance with DNV NAUT -AW and adopts their character- istics to support safer voyages. The arrangement of the integrated workstations ensures that all instrumen- tation and controls necessary to perform tasks are within reach, easily accessible and immediately or easily readable, depending on their determined function. In particular, "within reach" should be allocated those instruments and controls that will be used most frequently. Any changes of the environment, including surrounding ships and sea ECDIS conditions, can be easily recognized by ship personnel immediately on the bridge which is design decided ergonomically. The JRC ECDIS JAN-901 ECR is designed to display radar video, elec- tronic chart and nautical information. The electronic chart is able to display two different areas simultaneous in dif- ferent chart scales to monitor ships progress or destination, and track review as Windows. The Track Control System with OceanExplorer II (ie. Automatic- Navigation & Track Keeping systems | ANTS]) is designed to achieve reliable, economical and safe voyages, particu- larly in narrow channels, with ECDIS. The track accuracy is kept by high per- formance processing of real-time data from GPS, speed log, gyrocompass (rate of turn), rudder order/response, and con- trolling ships course and position to minimize difference from the planned route on the software of the ECDIS. The chart radar is a harmonized sys- tem with ECDIS. All nautical informa- tion necessary is in one display, which effectively helps to reduce human errors. Also, this may help to minimize a number of displays on the bridge. The duplication of this multi-function radar also increases redundancy. Circle 2 on Reader Service Card Royal Caribbean Stays Current with C-MAP CM-93/3 ECs The C-MAP CM-93/3 global electron- ic chart database helps Royal Caribbean Intl. vessel operators to ensure smooth, safe sailing whether cruising the icy waters of Alaska, or the warm currents of the Southern Caribbean tropics or through the Panama Canal. Arnolf Remo, captain of the Adventure of the Seas, said "Since early 2003 we have been using the C-MAP system on the Adventure of the Seas. This chart system has added a whole new interactive dimension to modern navigation, and therefore safer cruising. We are able to look ahead and have an indication of any underwater or over- head concerns to the vessel, as we enter 46 our allowable safety depths and heights. Each chart area can also be customized by us to suit our needs in each different situation and location. The easy-to-use C-MAP charts help my Navigation Officers plan, execute and monitor our voyage plans in a safe and efficient man- ner to a level never seen before." "With our Sperry Voyage Management System and the C-MAP worldwide CM- 93 database all on one CD, each of our vessels has the perfect navigational instruments to provide our customers with the smooth sailing experience they expect," said Bob Granley, superinten- dent of Royal Caribbean International. C-MAP's advanced RTU format is Maritime Reporter & Engineering News The OceanExplorer II Integrated Bridge Work Station. "This chart system has added a whole new interactive dimension to modern navigation, and therefore safer cruis- ing," said Arnolf Remo, captain of the Adventure of the Seas.
