Communication innovation boosts windfarm safety
When Essex UK based navigation equipment supplier Mantsbrite became the sole UK distributor of the David Clark Marine Wireless Headset Communications Systems in 2012, one of the first users was Tidal Transit.
The fast growing North Norfolk company provides a new generation of personnel transfer vessels for use by offshore wind farm developers.
Some years earlier. Tidal Transit had realised that offshore wind farm development off the east coast of England was going to create a huge demand for personnel transfer vessels to transport mechanics and electricians from shore to the offshore wind farm sites. Accordingly, in 2011, its directors Leo Hambro and Adam Wright made a considerable investment in what then was primarily a fishing trip business, commissioning their first two purpose designed and built vessels from a Spanish vessel manufacturer.
They selected Mantsbrite, to firstly fit out Ginny Louise and Eden Rose with the best navigational aids available to enable the vessels to function safely and efficiently in the unfriendly waters of the North Sea.
Mantsbrite MD David Ash said: “One of the key factors in operating safely at sea is clear and interference-free communication, so I was delighted when David Clark launched its new Marine Wireless Headset Communications System. Having thoroughly tested these headsets, I knew they would be ideal for crews operating vessels in the demanding environment of the North Sea. They are rugged, manufactured from marine grade components, and enable users to enjoy clear, crisp reception within a range of 100m. Being hands-free, they greatly enhance mobility as there is no need for crew members to be tethered to the vessel.”
Tidal Transit’s Leo Hambro comments: “These communications systems have been invaluable. When we carried out a man overboard rescue exercise recently, the crew member on deck was able to move freely, giving very clear instructions to the crew on the bridge, thus avoiding accidental harm to the man in the water. Fortunately, we haven’t experienced such an incident, but with the David Clark wireless system, we are confident that our crew to crew communications can make a huge difference in both normal and extraordinary circumstances.”
Ginny Louise and Eden Rose have been in continuous use on the Greater Gabbard and Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farms since their arrival in the UK. Mantsbrite will be fitting out a third vessel, the Tia Elizabeth, which was expected in the UK last month. David Clark wireless headsets are part of the equipment specification.
