Archive for April 2009

« Previous Entries
• 30 April 2009
  Confused about ATIS?
  

  There has been a lot of interest about the recent developments by OFCOM that allow UK Boatowners to use their marine VHF radios in inland waterways throughout Europe. This has come about because OFCOM are now issuing a Notice of Variation to the current VHF licence allowing UK boatowners to gain an ATIS (Automatic Transmission Identification System) number.

  Users have to first contact OFCOM at licensingcentre@ofcom.org.uk with their name, vessel name, vessel callsign, MMSI number (which will be sent to the Belgian Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT). Ofcom will then check their records and issue them with a Notice of Variation (NOV) to their licence. They can then contact thier marine electronic dealer, with their newly issued ATIS number and have it programmed into their radio.

  All of Icom’s current range of VHF Handheld and VHF/DSC fixed marine radios are ATIS capable.

  We have answered some of the most common questions in our Marine FAQ section of this website and on a downloadable PDF factsheet.  Click on Icom Marine FAQ’s to view these answers.

  To download a PDF of our new ATIS factsheet, please click on Icom ATIS Factsheet.

• 30 April 2009
  BMEA at the forefront of marine electronics standards
  

  The first ever Basic Marine Electronics Installer (MEI) course to be run outside the USA took place on 7 and 8 April at Marine House, Egham. The successful course was run as a pilot and delivered by BMEA, and was well supported by key electronics manufacturers with delegates from both waterside dealers and manufacturers such as Hamble Marine Ltd, Garmin and Raymarine.

  The event comes as a result of the formation of a newly established relationship between the British Marine Electronics Association (BMEA), a group association of the BMF, and National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). The relationship places the UK at the forefront of setting a worldwide training and installation standard within marine electronics training and certification.

  The MEI program was established in 2004, and is designed to promote a high level of professional expertise in entry-level and mid-level technicians. Sarah Dhanda, Director of Business Development at BMF said on the event: “The BMF is thrilled to be able to offer the MEI course as a first in the UK. Together with BMEA, we have developed an excellent relationship with NMEA which will enable us to elevate the level of training and certification in the UK to new heights.”

  An MEI qualification encourages marine electricians to further their knowledge and going forward the BMEA will require all members to have at least one qualified member of staff to retain membership. Paul Holland, BMEA Chairman said on the wider initiative:

  “The BMEA has been looking at ways of improving standards, training and qualifications for marine electronic installers for a number of years. Although the examination system was a great first step, it left employers and manufacturers the tasks of defining standards and delivering training.

  “The NMEA’s comprehensive installation standard is the new must have for any installation company. It has been extremely well received and ties in with a series of graduated qualifications which will ensure that staff have been well trained to promote your customer base.”

  The next MEI course is to be held on 20 October in Southampton to coincide with the BMEA Annual Conference where David Hayden, President of NMEA will be speaking. Further details can be obtained by contacting the BMF training service on 01784 223630 or via the BMF website www.britishmarine.co.uk/training.

• 30 April 2009
  About the Green Blue – Creating environmental awareness
  

  The Green Blue is an exciting environmental awareness initiative by the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting Association.  The aim is to promote the sustainable use of coastal and inland waters by boating and watersports participants, and the sustainable operation and development of the recreational boating industry.

  The Green Blue hopes to educate and inform the recreational boating community, about our environmental impacts, emphasising how you can avoid or minimise these impacts, by taking a few incremental steps.

  The Green Blue is for everyone who enjoys getting out on the water, or whose livelihood depends on boats and watersports. By working towards an environmentally self-regulating boating community, we can save money, avoid red tape and safeguard the waters and habitats we enjoy for the future.

  The programme consists of academic research, information provision and practical projects, focusing on 6 impact areas:

  • Oil and Fuel
  • Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Anti-fouling and Marine Paints
  • Waste Management
  • Resource Efficiency
  • Effects on Wildlife 

  The Green Blue objectives are:

  • To provide more readily available information to industry and users about potential environmental impacts of recreational watersports and effective mitigation measures.
  • To raise awareness of how users can purchase, maintain and use their craft and equipment in an environmentally responsible manner.
  • To promote sustainable boating so that increases in participation figures and the size of the recreational marine industry are achievable while minimising environmental degradation
  • To encourage the design and production of innovative environmentally friendly products, facilities and processes within the recreational marine industry
  • To raise awareness of the interaction with the local environment amongst providers of marine services and amongst watersports participants
  • To work with partners, authorities and managers to raise awareness and appreciation of coastal and inland water environments

  Sadly The Green Blue does not have the resources to assist individual commercial developments with environmental assessments/planning applications.

• 30 April 2009
  Green SEEDA grants available for South East companies
  

  A £500 grant is now available to businesses in the South East region for the purchase of energy efficient products.  Items such as low energy light bulbs, sensor switches or insulation could be purchased with the grant and will benefit businesses with further money saving due to reduced costs of resources.

  Companies which spend between £3000 and £20000 a year on energy and are part of the SEEDA region (Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, West Susex and Kent) are eligible to apply.

  Companies from outside the SEEDA region who are interested in energy efficiency should contact Dan Reading at the Green Blue on 02380 604242 or email dan.reading@rya.org

• 30 April 2009
  BGB Win Queen’s Awards For Enterprise: International Trade 2009
  

  The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in the International Trade category has been graciously approved by Her Majesty The Queen on the Prime Minister’s recommendation to BGB. The award is in commendation of the fantastic continual exporting ability of the company which maintains export figures of over 90 per cent of turnover year after year.

  The award encapsulates the truly global focus and expertise BGB have and the design technology that keeps BGB at the leading edge of Slip Ring, Brush Holder and Underwater Lighting & Camera manufacture.

• 30 April 2009
  Campaign for UK legalisation of PLBs broadcast to millions
  

  The campaign in the UK for the legalisation of PLBs (personal locator beacons) received a big boost this month, when BBC Radio 4 – one of the UK’s main radio stations broadcast a feature on the subject.

  Steve Huxley from the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency had the opportunity to explain how PLBs – like the McMurdo Fast Find range for example – worked. With a long experience of the use of PLBs in marine and aviation incidents he addressed the fears that land use in the UK could lead to a significant rise in non-urgent calls, and put undue pressure on the land resources, namely the police, in this country. However, Steve explained that current technology means that PLB users, who have to register their unit by law, can be identified, along with personal details, and the system can be much more easily controlled.

  Jenny Miller of the Equine Ramblers Association highlighted the importance of carrying a PLB following an accident on her horse when she broke her leg in a remote area. Luckily she had mobile phone reception but if not she would have needed a PLB. She has been tirelessly campaigning for the legalisation of PLBs and pointed out that in countries such as USA, Australia and New Zealand they are already in use.  She believes that PLBs enable quick location which could potentially save costs on more lengthy rescue attempts.

  Steve Huxley points out that wherever you are, you will be in satellite range, so that the beacon’s signal will always be received. He is hopeful that by the end of the year the UK will have a process in place for responding to emergency transmissions.  It looks like the campaign is reaching its conclusions, so fingers crossed for breaking down a major barrier to personal safety.

• 30 April 2009
  Icom UK Support The Big5 Kayak Challenge!
  

  The Big5 Kayak Challenge is a set of unique expeditions paddling through some of the most challenging water on the planet. The aim is to raise money and awareness for a number of chosen charities and campaigns. Icom UK have donated a number of IC-M33 Buoyant VHF Marine Transceivers to the team for use throughout the challenge.

  A team of experienced kayakers are taking to the water to continue the Big5 Kayak Challenge, a set of five challenging expeditions that will take them to remote locations in the UK, Canada and the USA over the next year.

  They hope to raise £25,000 for the charities Help Foundation and Muscle Dreams, set up to support those with Muscular Dystrophy. The team will also make a donation to the Foundation who provide support and activities for terminally ill children. All the costs associated with the expedition are being met by the paddlers themselves and all the money raised will go directly to these two charities.

  The team have already completed the Isle of Wight and the River Thames legs, and have switched their attention to paddling across the English Channel in April. They’ll have no time to rest as in May the team will paddle from Lands End, 30 miles across a shipping lane to the Scilly Isles.

  The most challenging part of their journey, in July 2009 they will paddle almost 1000 miles from Vancouver Island in Canada, up to Juneau in Alaska. The team will need to be self-sufficient for food and kit and will need to paddle an average of 35 miles a day to complete the challenge.

  The IC-M33 Buoyant VHF Marine Transceivers, Icom have loaned to the team will be used for general communications between the kayak team, the shore teams and the support boat, as well as providing support in case of emergencies.

  Richard Harpham, is one half of the leadership of the Big5 Kayak Challenge said why he chose Icom as a sponsor,” I had seen Icom products at the London Boat Show and a waterproof floating and lightweight VHF radio is ideal for a kayak team on an expedition such as ours. The Icom radios had good reviews and we felt Icom UK were a company we wanted to work with.”

  Sponsor the Big5 Kayak Challenge

• 25 April 2009
  BMET (British Marine Electronics Technician) EXAMS
  

  Together with the BMF (British Marine Federation), the BMEA (British Marine Electronics Association) has established the British Marine Electronics Technicians (BMET) Scheme to provide a standard for marine electronics technicians.  The latest exams will be held on the:
           
  • 23 June 2009
  • 10 September 2009

  Both exams will be held at Marine House, Egham and run from 10:00 – 11:30.

  The goal is to give consumers, dealers, distributors and manufacturers in the marine electronics industry a standard which will ensure quality installation and service of marine electronics equipment.

  The scheme involves a multiple choice examination and completion of practical tasks at the place of work.  The scheme is designed to recognise current skills rather than provide a training programme for those new to electronics or electrical work.

  For further information, please click here http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/services/training/bmet.aspx, or contact Liv Whetmore on (01784) 223631 or e-mail:  lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk.

• 25 April 2009
  The GX1100E From Standard Horizon
  

  Standard Horizon has just launched one of the smallest fixed VHF DSC radios on the market.  The ultra-compact GX1100E measures just 115mm x 60mm x 170mm (4.4in x 2.3in x 6.6in) but despite the small size, there has been no compromise on features. The front panel is fully waterproof (IPX7, one meter for 30 minutes) making it ideal for use on all types of craft, especially when space is at a premium.

  The GX1100E is the first fixed DSC from Standard Horizon on which ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) can be fully programmed and switched on and off via the front panel. ATIS is an identification system used on inland waterways in many areas of mainland Europe.

  Transmit power is switchable (via the front panel) between Low (1W) and High (25W), and there is a time-out facility which limits transmission time to 5 minutes, thus preventing unintentional (prolonged) transmissions.

  The DSC side of the GX1100E is also packed with useful features, and is accessed via an up/down arrow menu.  When the set is connected to a GPS receiver via an NMEA cable, your current position is clearly shown on the bright LCD screen (this display is accessed by pressing and holding the H/L key). The set can then be programmed to poll for the positions of up to 48 other DSC-equipped vessels and can automatically (or manually) volunteer your own position when asked. Your position is also automatically transmitted when the distress button is used, but can also be entered manually if a GPS is not connected.

  Standard Horizon has taken this function one step further by allowing the positions of the polled vessels to be displayed on any Standard Horizon plotter connected to the GX1100E.

  Current draw from a 12-volt supply is just 0.3A in stand-by mode, rising to 1.0A when receiving and 5.5A when transmitting at 25W. All the usual VHF functions such as low and high power settings, dual watch and one-button Channel 16 selection are easily accessed via the buttons on the fascia.

  The set is supplied with a power cable, an attachment bracket, a warranty card and a comprehensive handbook. An external loudspeaker and flush mount bracket are also available as optional extras.

• 21 April 2009
  Scanstrut wins Queen’s Award for International Trade
  

  Scanstrut Ltd, designer and manufacturer of installation solutions for marine electronics, is pleased to announce its selection as a winner of the 2009 Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

  Scanstrut joins an elite group of companies in winning The Queen’s Award which puts them amongst the most successful of UK businesses. Awarded for outstanding performance in International sales, the assessment process is extremely rigorous with only a handful of the very best UK companies succeeding. Scanstrut export sales have quadrupled in the last 3 years.

  The Queen’s Award is recognised internationally and respected as the ultimate award for UK businesses. It is approved by the UK Prime Minister and awarded by Her Majesty The Queen and has unquestioned integrity and international prestige.

  Started in 1985, Scanstrut remains the international market leader in the design and manufacture of installation solutions for marine electronics. Its innovative product range includes mounting options for radar, satellite TV, GPS and VHF for yachts, powerboats and commercial vessels. A comprehensive product range is available through a network of over 75 international distributors. A custom design and build service is also offered for boat builders and shipyards.

  Tom Reed, Managing Director, is delighted that Scanstrut has been honoured with this award: “The talented team at Scanstrut has worked incredibly hard to provide fantastic products and outstanding service to all our international partners. This award is the ultimate recognition of our team’s hard work to make our products a success and I’d like to formally thank them all. This award is for them.”

  Scanstrut was awarded The Queen’s Award in the International Trade category. This recognises substantial growth in overseas earnings and outstanding commercial success. Tom Reed also added: “Our international distributors must also be thanked for their unending hard work and loyal support of Scanstrut products. We offer an excellent product with great service but without the input and commitment from each of our overseas partners in over 30 countries this award would not have been possible.”

  To complement the success of being honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Scanstrut has launched a brand new range of innovative mounting pods for marine electronics including radar and chart plotter screens and instruments. The Scanpod range includes fully adjustable (tilt and rotate) Deck Pods for installing radar screens on any sloping surface and stylish, slim-line Helm Pods for mounting screens at the steering wheel. Scanstrut has a continuous product development programme that will see several more products follow later in 2009, including a carbon mast pod range for race boats due in July ‘09.

  This press release can be downloaded from the website at www.scanstrut.com

« Previous Entries

You are here: News » Archive for April 2009