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| Sunday, 19 September 2004 |
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Modern device steers ships safely by Anton Nonis Queens Radio and Television Corporation (QRTC), pioneers in the marine electronic field and ship repairing since 1956, recently introduced a modern device in the marine field, called `Automatic Identification System (AIS). Group Managing Director Dinesh Motha said AIS succeeds in avoiding collision in the seas and also helps to identify vessels. AIS became mandatory on all sailing vessels from July, 2004. A vessel could obtain surveyor approval only if it was fitted with an AIS and not otherwise. Surveyor approval of vessels is essential, otherwise it cannot be insured. Sailing without marine insurance was the biggest risk for a vessel. According to Motha, AIS uses VHF transponder, working on Digital Selective Call(DSC) and is widely used in the UK coastal areas. Subsequently, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) developed a universal AIS based on VHF Data Link (VDL). The system avoids conflict among multiple users, he said. In addition to AIS, the company has also made available a device on ships called 'Ship Security Alert System' (SSAS). It is for security purposes at times of attack by pirates. The device lunch will not allow any generation of audio-visual alarms on board, is to prevent anyone from sensing a security alert that has been transmitted and which may then lead to a panic situation. Transmitted information includes a ship's current position and identification. Flag administration and ship owner are kept informed on a ship's position at sea. The ship could be tracked even after it loses communication due to disturbances caused by pirates. The company is known for its three-hour response time and six months warranty on all repairs carried out. Motha said that inquiries by vessel operators, both local and foreign, for AIS and SSAS, are on the increase. The company has also introduced Global Maritime Distress Search Signal (GMDSS) supplied and installed at the Colombo Nautical Engineering College (CNEC) and the Fisheries Training College in Tangalle. The success of the company has been attributed to a dedicated team of engineers and technicians trained at manufacturers facilities in Japan, Germany, the U.K and U.S.A. Asked about competition the company has to face, Motha said that he was totally disinterested in it. "We give the best, be it the devices or the after-sales services". |
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