Are your monitoring and alarm systems safe?

Radamec engineers, contracted to Babcock, replaced the monitoring and alarm system during the refit of HMCC Sentinel, operated by the UK Border Agency. Radamec configured the system, delivered the equipment within six weeks of the initial survey and completed the installation within the short refit timeframe for the vessel.

Another recent installation was for Intrada Fleet Management on board its vessel Scot Carrier. Fleet technical manager, Mark Thompson said, “After successfully fitting Radamec’s alarm system to our vessel Scot Explorer two years ago, we were very satisfied to fit another system to our sister vessel Scot Carrier.

“The system was easily fitted with a minimum of disruption. Operation is simple and user friendly, with parameter adjustment simple and easily locked for security. We have found the system totally reliable and robust on these two hard working vessels.”

Monitoring and alarm systems are critical to the safe operating of a vessel. When an old system starts to give trouble, and spares can no longer be sourced, the result is a number of non-functioning alarm channels. Not only does this prevent early indication to the engineers and warning of possible malfunction of engines or operating machinery, the engineers may be called upon for round the clock manning of the engine room. If crews become fatigued, it can lead to mistakes being made, resulting in a hazardous situation.

Vessel operators should be encouraged to take a preventive action approach when considering the condition of their monitoring and alarm system and not wait for the surveying society to condemn their existing equipment before organising its replacement. Radamec’s system can be reconfigured accommodating future engine changes, so essential replacement of monitoring and alarm systems should not be delayed awaiting a major overhaul.

Radamec’s current success is built on proven reliability, typified by the company’s relationship over many years with the RNLI, which uses the Commander System as standard fit on its Tamar Class lifeboats.