Page 36: of Marine News Magazine (May 2026)

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Tech Feature

Crew Communications

A Sea Change in

Workboat Crew Comms

By Bob Daigle, Systems Manager, David Clark Company rew communications on board workboats in harsh Crew Communication System Solutions marine environments are subject to a variety of David Clark Company has nearly two decades of ex- challenges. Background noise from loud engines, perience developing communication systems for the ma- shock and vibration pounding through rough wa- rine workboat market. The ? agship system for the marine

C ter, high wind noise and turbulence at speeds of 55-60 market is the Series 9100 Digital System is transforming knots, and the highly corrosive nature of the marine en- the way workboats crews communicate. The system pro- vironment - can render workboat crew communications vides clear, hands-free communication for crew members all but impossible. Crew members are often reduced to on board high-speed patrol boats for military and law en- shouting, creating situations where critical communica- forcement, ? re/rescue craft, offshore service and transport tions pertaining to navigational and situational awareness vessels, tug and tow boats, as well as other workboats. Sys- may either be missed or misinterpreted. tem components include a Master Station, User Interfaces 36 | MN May 2026