How to ensure maritime safety and security
One of the biggest worries in the maritime industry is that of having an accident at sea. When you have an issue at sea, you could be thousands of miles away from the nearest people able to offer you a helping hand. This is why implementing a range of different maritime safety and security protocols is key. Read on to learn more about the importance of ensuring maritime safety, and find out details surrounding some of the more specific solutions ships and ports use to make sure that ships and their passengers are as safe as can be at sea.
Why is maritime safety so important?
Before discussing the various processes and solutions involved in maritime safety, we have to understand the reason maritime safety and solutions are so important. Maritime safety and solutions are key as boats are arguably at a higher risk than aircraft. Where an aircraft has the ability to glide down to earth safely in the event of an engine issue, ships and boats that have issues are stuck in the water, with very little opportunity for movement. This means that having a series of solutions in place to keep everyone protected is essential.
Navigation systems
One of the first steps ships take in ensuring their safety is the use of navigation systems. Since ancient times civilisations used the stars as a means of navigating, and whilst we still use space, our means of navigation are far more artificial now. Ships make full use of GPS systems that use satellites, cross-referencing their information with maps and ensuring that ships have a means of knowing their location. This combines with the use of features such as a Non-Directional Beacon, informing captains and drivers of their locations at all times and preventing any issues such as collisions and getting lost at sea.
Communications
In the event that an incident does occur at sea, one of the most important tools available for anyone driving their ship is communication technology. This means that captains have the ability to get in touch with nearby ports and request support. Using technology such as a satellite phone in addition to radio communicators means that no matter how far a ship is from the shore, there is potential for contact with people able to offer support and rescue services wherever necessary.
Docking
In addition to helping ships when they are out at sea, there is plenty of technology in place that supports ships when docking. This is less about the safety of passengers and drivers, rather the security of companies and their freight. Using technology such as Visual Guidance Docking Systems (VGDS) means that ships have the ability to carefully and precisely place themselves in docks. There is no damage done to ships, and everyone remains as safe as feasibly possible. In busy ports such as Hamad Port, this is an essential part of the day-to-day operations.
Bayanat Engineering Qatar
If you’re interested in maritime and aerospace safety and security solutions in Qatar and beyond, get in touch with the Bayanat Engineering team to find out more about our solutions and strategies for better operations.