Page 43: of Marine News Magazine (October 2014)

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COMMUNICATIONS

Effective Communication on the Water

Because communication on the water is serious business, David Clark Marine offers a number Because communication on the water is serious business, David Clark Marine offers a number of system solutions tailored to meet specifi c needs. On board the City of Marco Island’s of system solutions tailored to meet specific needs On board the City of Marco Island’s

Firestorm 32 High Speed Aluminum Fireboat, made by MetalCraft Marine, fi rst responders Firestorm 32 High Speed Aluminum Fireboat, made by MetalCraft Marine, first responders depend on their wireless communication gear every day.depend on their wireless communication gear e ery da

By Joseph Keefe

The Problem

Surrounded by wind and engine noise, salt spray, chop- py seas and all of the unexpected variable that come with operating in a harsh, unforgiving marine environment, communication is key to effective performance. Nowhere is that reality more evident than for fi refi ghters and fi rst re- sponders everywhere, as they patrol and perform a myriad of public safety missions. Deputy Chief Chris Byrne of the

City of Marco Island Fire Rescue Department can person- ally attest to that.

Marco Island’s list of requirements for a dependable communications system was long and demanding. These included Durability in the marine salt environment, mo- bile grade, stainless steel hardware, dynamic earphones with stainless steel retainers, and immersion proof, dynam- ic microphones. Battery life [Li-polymer batteries last up to 24 hours of continuous use between charges] was also important, comfort [the DC headsets feature comfort-gel, undercut ear seals and adjustable head band assemblies], ease of use and strong support from customer service.

The Solution

Bob Daigle, David Clark Company Product Manager for Wireless Systems told MarineNews, “The Marine Series 9900 Wireless Communication System gives crew mem- bers added mobility to move about freely and communi- cate clearly, without being tethered to the vessel, which, as in the case of Marco Island Fire Rescue, is a critical benefi t for fi re/rescue crews as well as a variety of other workboat applications.” In the end, it was David Clark that met the

Marco Island challenge. And, Byrne says, “That’s why we chose and depend on our Series 9900 Marine Communi- cation System from David Clark.”

David Clark Marine Intercom Systems improve on board safety by providing solutions on board boats and vessels where problems such as high-noise, constant shock and vibration from choppy waves and the corrosive envi- ronment of the sea create obstacles to reliable and effective communication. In general, this takes the form of three different applications:

Evaluation, Installation – and Training, too …

According to Deputy Chief Chris Byrne, Marco Island uses the 9900 Marine Series Wireless Headset Commu- nications System. He adds, “The system provides us the ability to monitor and transmit on two different radios, 800 MHz Fire Rescue Dispatch and VHF Marine band.

The intercom allows for crew communications as well as www.marinelink.com MN 43

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