Advanced monitoring
Vessel monitoring systems are becoming ever more complex and comprehensive. One of the latest new systems from Italian company Onyx shows just how far they have developed and to ensure reliability it features considerable redundancy.
It is based on an Ethernet system that features dual systems so that If one goes down there is still full capability. In turn these are linked to dual redundant Canbus networks for further redundancy.
The Onyx system links to touch screen displays as the standard but it can also link to a personal computer and also a tablet so that the whole system can be views remotely and in some cases controlled remotely. The system is Lloyds Register approved for monitoring watertight doors and the engine telegraph system and it also incorporates a full engine and generator monitoring system with multiple alarms in various parts of the vessel.
Tank levels, valves and pumping systems and bilge alarms can all be incorporated but the system is more than alarms with the systems also being controlled through the touch screens. Control can also be designated to the tablet or remote computer. Working through the vessel’s Internet the system can also incorporate a remote diagnostic system so that any required spares can be ordered and waiting when the vessel docks. A data logging system allows all of the measured parameters and operations to be logged for future analysis.
For the bridge displays the primary focus is on the required navigation information such as radar and EDCDIS with additional control and manoeuvring information such as rate of turn, helm angles and speed.
Each system supplied by Onyx is tailor made for the specific vessel and its operations with displays geared to the station requirements such as engine monitoring and navigation
By Dag Pike
