Page 36: of Marine News Magazine (June 2020)

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COMMUNICATIONS

Communication via wireless headsets and belt stations is also with a laptop and an Ethernet cord. This is especially impor- critical during visit, board, search, seizure (VBSS) operations, tant for in-?eld service and system updates. allowing crew members to board a suspect craft, while main- Operation is simpli?ed with intuitive user interfaces and taining communication with their vessel. comfortable, yet durable, noise-attenuating communication headsets. Headset stations and wireless gateways feature a sim- ple control array with pushbutton talk-group selection switch-

System simplicity is critical

System simplicity, encompassing all facets of installation, es, LED indicators and centrally located PTT switch for fast, con?guration and operation, is a key factor in the selection effortless access to system functions. Communication headsets of a crew communication system for vessels in the RHIB/ feature a PTT switch, conveniently located on the microphone

HSC sector. System simplicity played an important role in bracket. This intuitively located PTT switch is easy to ?nd and the selection of the 9100 Digital System for installation on the utilize under stressful conditions on board the vessel, while af-

Multi-Mission Interceptor (MMI) demo boat, manufactured fording simultaneous mic adjustment and transmit capability. by SAFE boats International. “The David Clark [digital com- The 9100 Digital System is purpose-built to withstand the munication] system is comfortable, reliable, easy to use and it harshest marine environments. System components feature works...That’s critical for our operators that are out using this marine-grade, water-tight design – including corrosion resis- equipment,” said Rob Goley, Business Development Director tance, wide-ranging temperature tolerance, high performance for Federal Programs, SAFE Boats International. shock/vibration absorption, and superior dust and water in-

Both hardware and software for the system is built for ease gress protection – to ensure reliable communications. of con?guration. Because the system operates on power-over- The David Clark’s 9100 Digital System, in its ?rst few

Ethernet (PoE), all cabling, except for the radio interfacing, years on the market, has been chosen for hundreds of instal- is Cat5e. This common communications cabling simpli?es lations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and installation con?guration for boat manufacturers and system U.S. Customs and Border Patrol interceptors, as well as on installers. Additionally, the system uses a web browser type many U.S. Coast Guard small boat programs and interna- graphic user interface for programming the system. Con?gu- tional police, SAR and security vessels in the EU, Middle ration of the system can be accomplished by any technician East and Asia Paci?c regions.

June 2020 36 MN