Page 38: of Marine News Magazine (April 2021)

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Tech

File

Is Hands-free Bluetooth Communication

Technology Right for Your Vessel?

By Chris Clarke, Industrial Communications Consultant, Sena Industrial here are several inherent issues with using handheld enabled communication is right for you: two-way marine VHF radios for marine communi- Vessel size and construction - Bluetooth-enabled and cation. Having to push a button to talk means you similar Mesh-enabled headsets typically work out to a

T cannot use that hand for important work activities, range of about a half mile. If your working area is much like winching a line. Waiting to push the button can waste bigger than that, then stick with VHF radios, as these have valuable seconds when a crewmate needs help or your ves- longer range. The hull and material of large metal ships sel is about to hit the dock. Handheld radios also usually can also interfere with Bluetooth connections, which oper- have a decent amount of static and feedback, making them ate at around 2.4 GHz frequency. Teams working on larger neither a fast nor reliable means of communication. vessels should stick to VHF radios, which operate at lower

FM frequencies around 155 MHz and perform better in

Many seafarers are looking for different solutions, and these environments, especially if workers plan on commu- new long-range Bluetooth technology is changing the way nicating from different levels of the ship. mariners communicate on board. Using wireless headsets, Ambient noise - Since well-designed Bluetooth headsets

Bluetooth-enabled intercoms offer instant, full-duplex, offer advanced noise cancelling capabilities, they can sig- high-de? nition communication for various marine applica- ni? cantly reduce the effects of ambient noise during inter- tions. Bene? ts include real-time, crystal-clear communica- com conversations. This is valuable around noisy engines, tion; advanced noise canceling; increased weather resistance; in stormy weather, and next to noisy equipment. Headsets hands-free designs; and enhanced connectivity (phones/ are available with over-the-ear cups that minimize ambient

GPS). Instead of relying on the old “push to talk” mechan- noise while providing workplace hearing protection. ics of walkie-talkies, Bluetooth technology can pair or link Number of workers - Bluetooth technology can con- headsets for instant, real-time communication. With no but- nect up to four headsets for easy group communication. If ton to push, hands are left free for other tasks. Rather than your team that needs to communicate over the intercom is the half-duplex communication of handheld radios, full- larger, you will need a different option or potentially adapt duplex Bluetooth technology allows communication in both separate intercoms for different sections of your team. directions simultaneously for enhanced safety. You can also Mesh networks can host a virtually limitless number of us- talk calmly into the mic instead of having to yell into a radio. ers, making Mesh headsets a good choice for larger teams.

Improved productivity and safetyhas many marine op- Other devices - One additional advantage when operat- erators considering the adoption of Bluetooth technology ing over a Bluetooth network is that you can connect your aboard their vessels. However, while its bene? ts are numer- headset to your mobile phone, GPS or other Bluetooth ous, this technology is not right for everyone. Here are the enabled device, enabling these technologies to be used main things to consider to help determine if Bluetooth- while remaining hands-free. But, if there are many other

Bluetooth devices within range that are sending out sig-

Sena Industrial nals, they may interfere with your intercom connection.

Special features - Beyond their standard capabilities, cer- tain Bluetooth headsets also come with additional features for enhanced usability. These may include voice prompts and advanced connection capabilities with outside intercoms.