Upgradable MonCon system for RNLI

The RNLI required a system that a minimal crew could use to monitor, control and supervise the vessel, where previously a larger team would have been required. MACSYS achieves this by integrating all the on board controls and instruments such as charting, radio, boat sensors, video and radar. All control and monitoring can be done through a single screen without the crew member having to leave the seat.

SEAF, the technology behind MACSYS, originated from a need to integrate a large variety of different hardware, via a robust system, into land army vehicles, a perfect test for the similarly harsh conditions faced by lifeboat crews.

The MACSYS system is based around the use of commercially available electronics hardware, reducing the cost and increasing its flexibility. MACSYS allows single or multiple hardware components to be replaced or upgraded without replacing the whole system. Many new or replacement hardware items will simply drop into the system without any changes. This was perfect for the RNLI as they can upgrade the individual components of the boat’s electronics without having to replace multiple components or, possibly, the whole system.

With MACSYS, a key point is that it is a reusable and upgradable platform rather than a disposable one.

MACSYS allows the crew interface to be tailored to exact requirements, especially important for difficult missions/working environments.