By
Richard Humphreys |
We outline some of the solutions that are helping passenger ship operators to maintain safety onboard their vessels.
Transforming fire safety at sea
The Rapid Access Composite Plus solution from CBG Systems can withstand temperatures of more than 1,000C
CBG Systems’ Rapid Access Composite Plus (RAC Plus) is a lightweight panelised fire protection system that can offer at least 60 minutes of fire protection. The panels have a thermal, non-intumescent protective coating that uses patented hybrid inorganic polymer system technology to ensure the vessel’s structural integrity in the event of a fire.
RAC Plus was originally designed for aluminium high-speed craft (HSC) but now the system has been certified for use on steel ships. There are many advantages when compared with traditional insulation, including weight savings and quick installation.
“CBG is pleased to bring RAC Plus as a technology historically limited to application on HSC vessels to the steel shipbuilding market,” says Javier Herbon, managing director of CBG Systems.
Fire prevention is key
The LAS-10 system from Daspos continuously monitors engine room spaces to alert crew to potential fires before they occur
Daspos provides durable fire protection for the technical machinery spaces on ocean-going vessels. Its LAS-10 atmospheric oil mist and hydrocarbon detection system has been developed as a fire prevention solution and helps to secure the open engine room against the risk of fires caused by oil leakages.
The LAS-10 actively monitors potential scenarios where a fire may occur, such as oil leaks, and in turn, alerts the crew before one arises. The system has received type approvals and certifications from a range of recognised bodies, including Lloyd’s Register, DNV, International Organization for Standardization, International Electrotechnical Commission, and American Bureau of Shipping.
Looking ahead to avoid dangers
FarSounder’s sonar system prevents groundings and collisions by detecting rocks, pinnacles and coral reefs
Shallow waters are a serious concern for expedition cruise ships. Sailing through uncharted or poorly charted regions with traditional navigation tools is not enough to protect vessels, crew and passengers from dangerous situations.
FarSounder’s Argos 1000 Forward Looking Sonar can see half a nautical mile outwards as well as down to a depth of 85 metres, allowing it to detect obstacles such as rocky protrusions, pinnacles and coral reefs. It shows these obstacles in real time via a 3D display, giving crew ample time to adjust the ship’s course to prevent collisions, groundings or other dangerous incidents.
Protecting passengers at all times
Equipping ships with safety equipment is the main focus for Poseidon Marine Supplies
“Safety comes first, so it is critical to invest in the best equipment, such as escape devices, life rafts, fire extinguishers or any other life-saving appliances,” says Katia Minardou, corporate communication manager at Poseidon Marine Supplies. “That is why Poseidon Marine Supplies represents the brands offering the best personal safety equipment, such as Dräger.”
Poseidon’s service network is one of the most highly regarded in Europe in terms of equipment, class approvals and technically trained personnel. This has led Poseidon to carry out a high number of services relating to life-saving appliances and firefighting equipment around the world.
Safely evacuating passengers and crew
Liferaft Systems Australia’s marine evacuation system can easily be deployed by one member of the crew
Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA) has developed a marine evacuation system (MES) that is designed to deliver passengers and crew directly into large capacity life rafts via an inflatable slide.
The main benefit of LSA’s MES is the simplicity of its operation. The MES does not have complicated winches or hydraulics and does not require a connection to the ship’s power supply, so it can easily be deployed by one crew member. Each MES unit is lightweight and compact and can be removed or exchanged for annual servicing in less than one hour. It is safe, reliable, cost effective and simple to use.
Making electrical installs safer
STI Marine’s busbar device reduces the risk of fires onboard Disney Wish
STI Marine has supplied MBD100 marine busbar devices on Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Wish. Installed in the electrical service shafts, the busbar device significantly reduces the amount of steelwork and weight onboard the ship.
The busbar device was developed in conjunction with the electrical design team at Meyer Werft shipyard, and was fire-tested and certified in five months. Installation time, inside a very narrow vertical shaft, was reduced from 6.5 hours to 30 minutes using the MBD100 device in comparison to traditional busbar penetration systems. The device also reduces vibration transmission and noise from the trunk to the decks, as well as contributing to fire safety due to its rapid intumescent expansion properties.
Rapid rescues
Remotely operated watercraft system from U SAFE helps to save people stranded at sea
U SAFE’s system is an auto-propelled, remotely operated vehicle that can reach an overboard casualty quickly and drive them back to safety. Weighing just 13.7 kilograms, the U SAFE can reach a top speed of 18 knots and has a range of up to 500 metres. At full charge, the system can run for up to 5.9 kilometres.
The U SAFE can also be deployed quickly compared to traditional lifebuoys and is instantly controllable as soon as it touches the water. By rescuing people rapidly, it reduces the risk of them suffering from hypothermia or dying from cold shock.
Connecting health operations at sea
Tritan Software solution helps ship operators to improve health and wellness management services
Tritan Software provides a platform of integrated solutions, such as SeaCare and SeaSafe, to help cruise and ferry companies manage the entire spectrum of health and medical needs for crew and passengers sailing on vessels across their fleets.
With over 97 per cent of the industry having adopted its systems, Tritan provides functionality to track crew wellness, medical interventions, public health compliance and shoreside referrals. It has also recently developed SeaConsult, which enables onboard medical staff to perform virtual visits to crew and guests who are isolating in their cabins to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Tritan can also connect crew members to thousands of shoreside medical providers worldwide.
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2022 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Review for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.