The Ships
Movement Information Display System (SMIDS) is a cost effective
docking system currently installed on a number of vessels,
which require highly accurate docking, speed and transit
information at all times. It can be used as a direct replacement
for a conventional "Doppler Docking System".
Using satellite signals precision docking manoeuvres can be displayed
with accuracies better than standard Doppler systems: 0.02 knots.
The installation of a SMIDS removes any concerns normally associated
with the operation and upkeep of current doppler systems.
Satellite (GPS and GLONASS) receivers independently measure bow and stern
movements of the vessel over the ground. The bridge wing and wheelhouse
displays show heading, transverse and longitudinal speeds. |
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The
advantage of this SMIDS is obvious that it is able to
continuously provide precise information during docking,
increases the ability to achieve safer docking approaches
to shuttle tankers, buoys, jetties and anchorage positions,
not effected by water temperature, salinity, cavitations
or environmental barrier effects, plus
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No need dry docking -
which is required for installing, maintaining or
replacing traditional Doppler System; |
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Installation during voyage - thus
preventing any disruption to vessels operation schedule; |
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No hull penetrations in the bottom
of the ship - no expensive gate valves for new builds; |
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Full utilisation of existing ships
wiring - when retrofit installation |
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Sea Trial not necessary - SMIDS is
self calibrating anywhere All these = LOW COST!!! |
The picture shows the SeaRiver tanker
North Slope docking in California with the aid of SMIDS.
The pilot and captain said "Very impressive" as
they glided alongside. Masters report that SMIDS tells
them what the ship is doing before the eye can perceive
it!
The Doppler docking and speed log
systems have provided the marine industry with reliable
speed information for many years. Their accuracy and
indeed their cost is not very much in question. The
upkeep and maintenance of these new and ageing speed
and docking systems is a serious issue.
Although alien to many
people, new maritime technology must not be ignored.
We have entered the competitive dimension of the new
millennium. Global positioning system technology and
its counterparts are no longer "aids" to navigation.
They have rapidly developed into navigation essentials
that will contribute to the safe passage and operational
schedules of the world's merchant fleets in many years
to come.
SMIDS is installed
on a number of large tankers currently operating in
the Alaska, Arabian and Mexican Gulf areas and also
out in the Far East.
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By
using the Blue Tooth option for SMIDS it is now possible
to display all the ships navigation and environmental
data on a handheld monitor technically known as the Panama
Pilot (see left Pic). The SMIDS information is transmitted
from the main electronics unit to the Panama Pilot using
simple integrating techniques with ships data from other
sensor equipment.
The portable handheld monitor can be utilized as a wireless bridge wing
docking repeater and when not used for this purpose it can be programmed
by the vessels master to access and display bridge transit navigational
data whilst he is working in the ship's office or in the confines of
his cabin, effectively having control of the vessel from his desk. |
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Engine room engineering
status information can also be interfaced and displayed
in the same manner. Transmitting distances are approximately
200 metres, which is sufficient for precision towing
or lightering operations to be accurately monitored by
all parties involved in these procedures therefore contributing
to greater safety and operational awareness. The Panama Pilot
can be adapted to monitor all types of shipborne data
and give instant access to other events, which are
being performed simultaneously. |
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