Although it is not essential to carry out ship checks in this way, the visit provided an opportunity for all concerned to exchange practical advice on where monitors and controls could be best positioned on both ships.

It also gave Hernis the chance to advise on camera station positions, drawing on their experience of military and other commercial marine applications.

The end result is a simple multi-camera secure system tailored to suit the specific requirements of a very high profile shipowner, on ships working around the clock in often extreme coastal conditions.

Specific details of the Trinity House installations cannot be revealed but the systems supplied for Patricia and Mermaid utilise Hernis' conventional Mini S7 camera stations, which in this instance also incorporate intelligent movement sensors.

These will not only detect any unwanted or unexpected movement but uninvited visitors will also be seen and recorded automatically by the Hernis control system.

As with all Hernis camera stations, the Mini S7 is supplied in virtually maintenance free electro-polished marine grade stainless steel. They also maintain the Hernis tradition of integral junction boxes, eliminating a requirement for additional external junction boxes. Coupled with the multicable supplied with the package, this simplifies installation and reduces overall costs to the owner.

Installation of the systems was carried out within the planned maintenance schedules for each vessel, with the 'swork done by Dunston (Ship Repairers) Ltd in Hull.

MJ Information No: 19430