Counteracting Piracy - IMarEST'S Conference 'Hits The Spot'

Delegates from home and overseas are registering for next month's highly topical inaugural ‘Piracy and Offshore Security Conference – Practical responses and solutions' being held Tuesday 15- Wednesday 16 September in Portsmouth by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

"Countering the generic and ever-present threat of piracy is key to the marine industry, and next month's conference highlights and discusses ways and means in which ship and offshore installation owners and operators can counter the generic and ever-present threat," explains Dr Marcus Jones, Chief Executive of IMarEST.

As the name of the conference implies, and as befits the remit of IMarEST, our two-day event will be looking very much at the positive side of the solutions on offer and what ship and platform operators can do to counter the threat and lessen the risk to their vessels, crews and cargoes rather than at the geo-politics of piracy.

"Designed by marine professionals for the shipping and offshore industries around the globe, this highly practical IMarEST conference demonstrates our commitment to informing the maritime community and facilitating its business, whilst as a membership organisation keeping its delegate charges low and standards high for everyone. I urge you to book your place now!"

The line up of speakers at the two-day event is impressive. The first day will analyse the threat and will include an interactive workshop at which the scenario will be a developing crisis and how best to respond to it. The second day will look initially at the current government, military and international agency views, including a keynote address by Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks CB DSC; on how operators can best equip themselves to maintain security; and will then provide practical solutions to counter the risk – covering services, infrastructure and methods of defending and hardening a vessel.

A global issue
Conference chairman, Frank Mungo, Chairman EEZING, and a Past President IMarEST explains: "Recent developments on board the Russian-crewed Arctic Sea demonstrated that piracy and hijacking at sea is not limited to the coasts of Africa and the Far East, but is a global issue – and underlines the fact that somewhere in the world a ship disappears about every two weeks. Ships need better protection."

Some of those methods of protection will be on display, as the Piracy and Offshore Security Conference includes a small exhibition of devices and systems designed to counteract the on-going threat of piracy. "We are collecting information from exhibitors and will have constantly updated details on our website," explains Fiona Morris, IMarEST's Director Events and Corporate Relations. "Delegates will be surrounded by the exhibition during breaks in the conference, as well as hearing presentations on practical solutions."

Exhibits to the fore
The Ship Borne Launcher System (SBLS) will feature on BCB International's stand, with a full working version on display. This has been developed to provide Ship's Masters with a highly flexible, quick reaction system to respond to incidents at sea, such as man overboard emergencies or an attempted attack by coastal pirates.

The SBLS utilizes compressed air to deliver significant amounts of kinetic energy without requiring dangerous or volatile explosive or pyrotechnic systems. The SBLS is capable of rapidly deploying single man life rafts, life jackets, line, netting or solid projectiles up to distances of 500metres with high levels of accuracy. Dependant upon the payload used the SBLS offers a genuine non-lethal response and deterrent to attempted piracy attack.

Easat Antenna Ltd. will feature their long-range EA3462 X-band antenna. This high performance system is optimised for coastal and offshore protection. It is capable of detecting small boats at long-ranges in all weather conditions, thereby providing early detection of potential threats.

Security for the offshore oil and gas industry in some parts of the world has been an issue for many years. Recent incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, for example, have emphasised the burgeoning risk of attacks by militants to oil facilities in deep water fields. To mitigate such risk it is essential to provide offshore facility managers with as much advanced warning as possible of any approaching threats, in order to safeguard installation personnel and allow for the safe and controlled shut-down of operations.

Easat coastal surveillance systems are in service around the world in numerous sensitive locations, including Straits of Malacca, Straits of Dover, the Caribbean, and soon to be installed in Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Nigeria.

The Hyde Sentry will be the centerpiece of Hyde Marine Inc's stand. This was developed for the cruise industry as a means of deterring terrorists and pirates without endangering passengers or crew. It was installed in the stern quarters of the ship, which were determined to be the most vulnerable area for unwanted attempts to board the ship.

The first two-unit system was installed and successfully tested aboard a cruise ship operating in both Europe and the US. The Hyde Sentry, as developed for the cruise industry, used CCTV cameras and powerful searchlights to allow operation during both daylight and at night. The images are fed to monitoring systems located in the bridge area so that the ship's crew is never in danger from the attackers. Local control from the area of the Hyde Sentry units is available for training purposes.

The system has a dedicated high pressure, high flow water pump installed in the ship's machinery space. Many variations of this design are possible and can be provided including submersible water pumps for use in fore peak or after peak tanks or even over the side.

Thermal Imaging Cameras will be centre stage on Intronics' stand. Image Intensifiers on a dark cloudy night are virtually useless but Thermal Imaging Cameras for marine applications have become more essential as the threat of Piracy increases. Pirates often use small high speed GRP boats with low radar signature making them almost impossible to detect until it is too late. Being aware of their approach provides time to be prepared for their arrival or take evasive action.

The Sea Scorpion Lvi (launchable vessel immobilizer) and powered projectile Sea Sam will be featured on Sea Scorpion Systems Limited's where they will show video of both in action. The Sea Scorpion is a unique net system that can stop vessels at sea either via boat to boat interdiction or from a platform, while Sea Sam is a powered projectile with a Restech shoulder launcher.

To register for the conference
Further information including online registration and details of discounts available for IMarEST Members and Marine Partners is at www.imarest.org and available from the Events Department at IMarEST, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7382 2636; Fax: +44 (0)20 7382 2667. Email: events@imarest.org

• First and foremost, if you are interested in attending the conference please contact either judithpatten@wwmail.co.uk or events@imarest.org (Note: Judith Patten is on holiday from 8 September until after the conference)

Now, to our full "What They're Showing" information from exhibitors at the ‘Piracy and Offshore Security Conference'. This will be updated and available from judithpatten@wwmail.co.uk (we also have photographs of some of the exhibits)

BCB International will feature the Ship Borne Launcher System (SBLS) with a full working version on their stand. This has been developed to provide Ship's Masters with a highly flexible, quick reaction system to respond to incidents at sea, such as man overboard emergencies or an attempted attack by coastal pirates.

The SBLS utilizes compressed air to deliver significant amounts of kinetic energy without requiring dangerous or volatile explosive or pyrotechnic systems. The SBLS is capable of rapidly deploying single man life rafts, life jackets, line, netting or solid projectiles up to distances of 500metres with high levels of accuracy. Dependant upon the payload used the SBLS offers a genuine non-lethal response and deterrent to attempted piracy attack.

The SBLS can be adapted to suit a wide range of requirements including remote operation using a 12 volt solenoid switch through infrared (8bit encode radio -16bit option) remote control, or hard wired options. Standard scuba diving air cylinders, readily available globally, provide air pressure to the SBLS or alternatively the SBLS can be linked to a ships compressed air circuit. 2 compressed cylinders will provide up to 10 discharges and the SBLS's breach loading mechanism allows the system to be fired within 15 second intervals.

Mounted on a robust slew-ring base the SBLS can be adjusted to provide 360° arc on the horizontal plain 90° / -60° on a vertical plane.

The SBLS requires only limited training to operate safely and can be used in all weather conditions. Additionally the SBLS can be stowed away in a completely inert and safe state when not required."

BCB International recognises that key to preventing piracy attacks requires an early demonstration of intent in order to deter and dissuade the aggressor. The SBLS's range and unique capabilities allows a ships Master to act at the earliest opportunity within a layered defence system – ensuring the maximum amount of time available for the ships crew to secure the ship and the alarm to be raised.

The SBLS has been specifically designed for use on large vessels where the range from deck to sea and the length of the vessel requires full coverage against attack. Its ability to also provide critical life saving support through the deployment of life jackets / life rafts or line ensures that the SBLS provides maximum flexibility of use rather than ‘wasting' deck space. Whilst designed for ship borne use the SBLS is equally applicable for use in terms of port security.

The SBLS is of use to vessel masters and owners / disponant owners. vessel charterer, security consultancies, and port authorities.

Other exhibits will include: TACCS C4i command and control software / hardware suite, which are of use to asset and personnel tracking and management software - and also of interest to vessel owners / security consultancies.

BCB International's mission statement is: "Saving and protecting lives in hostile environments through innovation". Established in 1854 BCB International provides high quality survival equipment to the Marine industry and military forces globally. They like to work and develop new unique products, within their core competency. As such, they work closely with Special Forces Units throughout the world; explorers who venture to the extremes and future soldier programmes. They partner with Universities and Colleges of further education to enhance our design capability.

Easat Antenna Ltd. will feature their long-range EA3462 X-band antenna. This high performance system is optimised for coastal and offshore protection. It is capable of detecting small boats at long-ranges in all weather conditions, thereby providing early detection of potential threats.

Security for the offshore oil and gas industry in some parts of the world has been an issue for many years. Recent incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, for example, have emphasised the burgeoning risk of attacks by militants to oil facilities in deep water fields.

To mitigate such risk it is essential to provide offshore facility managers with as much advanced warning as possible of any approaching threats, in order to safeguard installation personnel and allow for the safe and controlled shut-down of operations.

Easat coastal surveillance systems are in service around the world in numerous sensitive locations, including Straits of Malacca, Straits of Dover, the Caribbean, and soon to be installed in Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Nigeria.

Easat Antennas Ltd. was founded in 1987 as a specialist independent company to design and build antennas and complete radar (or similar) systems. The design team includes RF engineers qualified to PhD level, supported by mechanical and structural specialists. Senior Easat engineers have had wide antenna experience with Marconi, Racal, Raytheon and other established communications and radar manufacturers.

Easat is a wholly owned subsidiary of Goodwin Plc, a British mechanical engineering group established in 1883. Goodwin Group has an annual sales turnover of around US$110 million and approximately 654 employees. The Goodwin Group now incorporates six active companies in the Pacific Basin with companies in India, two in China, and companies in both Thailand and South Korea.

Over 95% of Easat equipment sales have been exported, with a total of over 150 radar installations in 36 countries worldwide. Customers have included port administrations, national air traffic control authorities, airports, coastguard and law enforcement agencies, defence authorities, and international oil companies.

Hyde Marine Inc. will feature the Hyde Sentry. This was developed for the cruise industry as a means of deterring terrorists and pirates without endangering passengers or crew. It was installed in the stern quarters of the ship, which were determined to be the most vulnerable area for unwanted attempts to board the ship. The first two unit system was installed and successfully tested aboard a cruise ship operating in both Europe and the US. The Hyde Sentry, as developed for the cruise industry, used CCTV cameras and powerful searchlights to allow operation during both daylight and at night. The images are fed to monitoring systems located in the bridge area so that the ship's crew is never in danger from the attackers. Local control from the area of the Hyde Sentry units is available for training purposes. The system has a dedicated high pressure, high flow water pump installed in the ship's machinery space.

Many variations of this design are possible and can be provided including submersible water pumps for use in fore peak or after peak tanks or even over the side. There are also other uses for the equipment including as an aid in docking by using the searchlights and cameras to allow the bridge personnel a view from the stern. The system can also be used for added fire protection or for assisting with fire fighting aboard adjacent ships or on the dock.

This forceful non-lethal deterrence system is of use to shipowners, vessel operating companies, shipyards.

Other exhibits will include the Hyde Guardian ballast water treatment system. Practical, economical and a totally non-chemical solution it is one of the first IMO Type Approved systems available to control the spread of aquatic invasive species in ship's ballast water., and of use to shipowners, vessel operating companies, and shipyards.

Intronics will be featuring thermal imaging cameras at the Piracy conference. Image Intensifiers on a dark cloudy night are virtually useless but Thermal Imaging Cameras for marine applications have become more essential as the threat of Piracy increases. Pirates often use small high speed GRP boats with low radar signature making them almost impossible to detect until it is too late. Being aware of their approach provides time to be prepared for their arrival or take evasive action. Both the IR516 and N-Boat units may be considered suitable for this application.

The M250 Marine Multi Purpose camera is an essential tool to have onboard any vessel where safety is of paramount importance. This camera will locate MOB, may be used for Search & Rescue in total darkness, fire fighting on board, mechanical and electrical maintenance.

Sea Scorpion Systems Limited will feature the Sea Scorpion Lvi (launchable vessel immobilizer) and powered projectile Sea Sam, and showing video footage on a large flat screen of the products in action. They will also have samples at the exhibition of Sea Sam and the Sea Scorpion net.

The Sea Scorpion is a unique net system that can stop vessels at sea either via boat to boat interdiction or from a platform. The Sea Sam is a powered projectile with a Restech shoulder launcher and of use to: policing authorities, event security, coastguard and MOD – especially where anti-piracy solutions are required.

Sea Scorpion Systems has developed a unique range of security and safety products for marine use based on the ability of the Sea Sam projectile to deliver payloads further and more accurately than any current non pyrotechnic launcher.

About IMarEST

• The IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology) is the leading membership body and learned society for marine professionals, industry, research and education, with 50 branches and 15,000 members worldwide
• Professional Recognition: qualifications for membership are based on the educational background and/or multi-disciplinary experience ensuring that high professional standards are maintained
• The only membership body that can award Chartered Marine Scientist and Technologist, Chartered, Incorporated and Engineering Technician status to their professional engineering counterparts
• The IMarEST is part of the Marine Engineering, Science and Technology Federation
• IMarEST Marine Partners: a membership network for organisations in industry, research and education operating in the marine and offshore sectors
• Maritime journals include MER (Marine Engineers Review); Shipping World & Shipbuilder incorporating Maritime IT & Electronics; The Marine Scientist; and the newly launched Journal of Operational Oceanography.
• IMarEST Publications: Technical Proceedings Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology (JMET), Journal of Marine Design and Operations (JMDO), Journal of Operational Oceanography (JOO) and a catalogue of 100+/- books
• The IMarEST Marine Information Centre (MIC) has 36,000 references available; 86,000 references on the combined IMarEST/BMT database; and nearly 10,000 books and 2,000 conference proceedings
• IMarEST organises 30-40 events and conferences annually; and was the host organisation for the World Maritime Technology Conference held in London 6-10 March 2006

SOURCE: Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST)