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Safety
at Sea
Vistar's primary concern with navigation systems is the safety of
passengers and crew of
high-speed craft and of other voyagers.
Typical hazards that must be detected include large flotsam and jetsam,
ice, logs and trees, containers, whales and exceptional waves. Unlit
small fishing boats, leisure and commercial craft can also be invisible
to radar and prove a major hazard.
Vistar engineers selected image intensification for this application
for the following reasons:
- Low lifetime costs - many tubes have run for 10 years
without problems,
- Display is easy to interpret by operator - what you
see is what you get,
- Lower initial cost than comparative systems that meet
the operating requirements,
- Detects typical threats that could damage vessel or
cause passenger injuries at sufficient range to enable safe maneuvers.
Vistar
233
The Vistar 223 was developed specifically to meet the exacting figures
of the Hong Kong Marine Department for operation of high-speed
passenger ferries at night. Vistar systems have been approved for
service in Hong Kong since 1982.
The Vistar 233 replaced the 223 after the demise of the CRT (cathode ray tube) based monitor. The system allows up to three video outputs allowing the operators a choice of type, size and location of displays.
The Vistar 233 night vision system is equipped for a dedicated night
vision operator to meet the Hong Kong operating requirements.
Lubber line - top, right - shows intensifier is
panned 20° left and
this traffic is passing
on the port side
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The
main display screen and controls enable the night vision operator
to maintain a permanent lookout, while a slave display and panning
controls are provided for the captain.
Markers on both displays clearly indicate the potential collision path
and range.
The
camera is fully automatic to respond to fast changing light levels
at sea. An electronic visor can be lowered from the top of the screen
to eliminate glare from harbour lights.
The
image intensifier housing is fully sealed and protected
against the marine environment.
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