ParaHandy
Active member
... where\'s the off switch gone?
The gateway to boat regulation opens once a common, accurate, method of identification exists. Cars are easily identified by their number plate. Neither SSR numbers, RYA nonsense or boat names fulfill any one of these criteria completely. The RA numbering system is in some disarray and, in any event, can only support 2m theoretical unique codes. The MCA tested radar interrogation last year which will resolve the problem of big ship identification. Such technology would be expensive as well as requiring the mandatory installation of a radar set and would not be appropriate on leisure vessels.
But, an MMSI number could and it will be done in this way: each DSC set will be capable of transmitting, automatically on receipt of an ID request, its number, position and speed. Absolutely nothing difficult or expensive in that. It will be sold to us on the considerable safety aspects inherent in such a system. If you’re in the middle of the channel in fog and transmitted an ID request you would receive infinitely more accurate and better information than would be possible with radar.
There are many other uses for such an instant ID system …. it would be of interest to many government departments, marine authorities, police etc etc and would be of such value as to require there to be no OFF switch or, perhaps, a technical offence if the device was inactive. The EU and Ms Legova would be orgasmic over such a prospect.
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The gateway to boat regulation opens once a common, accurate, method of identification exists. Cars are easily identified by their number plate. Neither SSR numbers, RYA nonsense or boat names fulfill any one of these criteria completely. The RA numbering system is in some disarray and, in any event, can only support 2m theoretical unique codes. The MCA tested radar interrogation last year which will resolve the problem of big ship identification. Such technology would be expensive as well as requiring the mandatory installation of a radar set and would not be appropriate on leisure vessels.
But, an MMSI number could and it will be done in this way: each DSC set will be capable of transmitting, automatically on receipt of an ID request, its number, position and speed. Absolutely nothing difficult or expensive in that. It will be sold to us on the considerable safety aspects inherent in such a system. If you’re in the middle of the channel in fog and transmitted an ID request you would receive infinitely more accurate and better information than would be possible with radar.
There are many other uses for such an instant ID system …. it would be of interest to many government departments, marine authorities, police etc etc and would be of such value as to require there to be no OFF switch or, perhaps, a technical offence if the device was inactive. The EU and Ms Legova would be orgasmic over such a prospect.
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