Tides turn for reliability at Falmouth

The pilot boats in Falmouth Harbour regularly achieve in excess of 2,600 working hours per year and down time can be detrimental to the efficient working of the harbour.

Assistant Harbour Master Will Davies said, ‘We had experienced some problems with vibration and water in the stern seals. Tides Marine offered us the dry, dripless solution. With their experience and knowledge of the systems used, they were able to help resolve the tail gear problems we were facing.’

This is the first large commercial vessel to fit the new Smart Seal alarm system. The overheat temperature warning system was introduced by Tides Marine earlier this year and has proved essential for keeping maintenance at a minimum.

The Tides Marine Smart Seal system has been designed to monitor seal head temperatures using a solid state sensor and electronic control module. An intermittent alarm sounds if the seal head temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) providing warning that an inspection of the cooling water supply is required. If the temperature continues to rise and reach 80°C (176°F), a continuous audible and visual signal is triggered advising urgent attention to the shaft seal and shaft line.

The alarm system is fitted to the Lloyd’s Register certified propeller shaft seals and allows for continuous running, with low maintenance and no down time for the vessels.

Following the success of this first installation, Tides Marine was the obvious choice for the second Falmouth Harbour Pilot Vessel, the ‘L.K Mitchell’, which is currently undergoing a refit.