Creating a Sea Change for Patrol Boat Crew Communications
Crew members communicating on board Muti-Mission Interceptor (MMI) from SAFE Boats International with Series 9100 headset system
Photo credit: David ClarkHeadset communications on board workboats in harsh marine environments are subject to a variety of challenges- background noise from loud engines, high wind turbulence around the microphone, and the corrosive salt and spray in marine environments. On board RHIB-type and High-Speed Craft (HSC) - including a variety of patrol boats and interceptor/interdiction vessels that pound through rough waters at 60 knots - critical communication can be rendered all but impossible. Crew members attempting to communicate are often reduced to shouting, creating situations where messages are subject to interpretation errors that may compromise safety and even the mission itself.
David Clark Company has over two decades of experience in providing the RHIB/HSC sector with Wired and Wireless headset communication systems for the most demanding marine applications. “With our inhouse state-of-the-art design and engineering resources, we have developed a high level of expertise in producing communication system electronics and systems that are built to overcome the obstacles to effective communication at sea,” said Bob Daigle, Systems Product Manager at David Clark Company.
The company’s Series 9100 Digital System is comprised of a Master Station, Digital Headset Stations, Wireless Gateways and Belt Stations, and durable, yet comfortable noise-attenuating Headsets in a variety of styles. All system components are purpose -built for harsh marine environments offering superior salt/fog corrosion resistance, wide ranging temperature tolerance, and high shock/vibration absorption to ensure optimal, mission-ready performance.
The system was designed based on three overarching considerations – scalability, versatility, and simplicity – that impact the selection, installation, configuration, and operation of communication systems designed for the demanding RHIB/HSC market segment. The David Clark Series 9100 Digital Marine Communication System provides clear, headset communication for an unlimited number of users, radios, and other devices, with each user being afforded up to four (4) mode selections to program their unique job criteria.
Scalability for “Future-Proof” Communication Solutions
The heart of the Series 9100 Digital Communication System is the Master Station. All wired and wireless user interfaces and communication headsets are connected to this unit. The Master Station features four card slots for connectivity to Headset Stations, Wireless Gateways, mobile radios, loud hailers, and other devices. The Master Station and Switch Card Modules enhance system flexibility and scalability to provide an unlimited number of crew members with individualized, streamlined control over a suite of audio and communication devices.
System Versatility Meets Ever-Changing Mission Protocols
The Master Station provides high performance Ethernet/IP versatility and offers a modular approach to system interface connectivity to two-way radios and other common ancillaries, as well as existing networks. As the mission profiles of military and first responders on-board high-speed craft continually evolve, this architecture provides digital processing of both input and output signals and immense control over communications routing to meet a wider variety of complex command and control requirements.
One of the unique capabilities of the Series 9100 Digital System that enhances communication versatility and flexibility is the ability to seamlessly integrate wireless headset technology. The integration of wireless technology with the Series 9100 Digital System provides a hybrid communication solution, combining the reliability and dependability of a wired system with the added freedom and mobility that wireless technology provides.
With a myriad of tasks that deck crew must perform on high-speed craft, the ability to communicate with the operator and other crew members untethered and hands-free, greatly increases safety, situational awareness and efficiency while helping to reduce crew fatigue and stress.
System Simplicity is Critical
System simplicity, encompassing all facets of installation, configuration, and operation, is a key factor in the selection of a crew communication system for vessels in the RHIB/HSC sector. Ease of configuration and operation played an important role in the selection of the Series 9100 Digital Communication system for installation on the Multi-Mission Interceptor (MMI) demo boat, manufactured by SAFE boats International. “The David Clark [digital communication] system is comfortable, reliable, easy to use, and it works...That’s critical for our operators that are out using this equipment … spending long hours on the boat,” said Rob Goley, Business Development Director for Federal Programs, SAFE Boats International.
Hardware and software for the system are built for ease of configuration. Because the system operates on power-over-Ethernet (PoE), all cabling, except for the radio interfacing, is Cat5e. This common communications cabling simplifies installation configuration for boat manufacturers and system installers. Additionally, the system uses a web browser type graphic user interface for programming. Configuration of the system can be accomplished by any technician with a laptop and an Ethernet cord, especially important for in-field service and system updates.
Operation is simplified with intuitive user interfaces and comfortable, yet durable, noise-attenuating communication headsets. Headset stations and wireless gateways feature a simple control array with pushbutton talk-group selection switches, LED indicators and centrally located PTT switch for fast, effortless access to system functions. Communication headsets feature an integrated, momentary PTT switch, conveniently located on the microphone bracket on the boom. The ergonomically located PTT switch (redundant to the user interface PTT) is easy to find and utilize under stressful conditions on board the vessel, while affording simultaneous mic adjustment and transmit capability.
Proven Track Record
The David Clark Company headset communication systems have been installed on a variety of naval vessels, patrol, and law enforcement craft worldwide. The company also has systems on board a wide array of vessels for the United States Coast Guard (USCG), including platforms for response boats, interceptors, port security craft, motor lifeboats and other special purpose craft.
The company has also been involved with recently introduced vessels to the patrol boat/interceptor market including the 13-meter ZH 1300 OB, interceptor from Zodiac Hurricane, and the 11.5-Meter Offshore Interceptor from boat builder Ocean Craft Marine (OCM).
“As a long-time partner and advocate for The David Clark Company, Ocean Craft Marine highly recommends their [Digital/Wireless} headset communication systems for professional boat operators and crews. The wireless headset system has been a game-changer for our professional maritime end-users,” said Todd Salus, VP, Ocean Craft Marine. “These systems greatly increase our situational awareness and our crew’s effectiveness, making it a must-have for any professional boat operations.”
For more information about David Clark Company headset communication systems for workboat crews, call 1-800-298-6235 or visit www.davidclark.com.
David Clark Systems Installed on USCG Craft
OTH-iV (Cutter Boat, Over The Horizon iV
CB-L (Cutter Boat-Large)
RB-M (Response Boat – Medium)
LRI (Long Range Interceptor)
SPC-LE (Special Purpose Craft – Law Enforcement)
MLB (Motor Life Boat)