For each major type of emergency which is likely to occur on board ship, there is usually an array of statutory rules, company regulations and advisory guide lines which define a set of procedures for dealing with it.
Naturally, some of these procedures are of a general nature and always apply in the event of a particular type of emergency, irrespective of which ship it occurs on. Others vary according to the design of the ship and the equipment with which it is fitted.
DECMAK has been designed as an aid to help the ship's officer follow procedures which comply with the various statutory and company requirements taking into account the features of each particular ship.
Using a database that describes the procedures and ship's equipment relevant to a particular type of emergency, DECMAK leads the officer step by step through the necessary actions required to deal with the situation. This includes giving specific instructions and requesting information from the officer so that DECMAK can determine the most appropriate course of action. Where appropriate DECMAK's instructions are accompanied by detailed lists of actions to take, location, type of equipment and any additional information which is relevant.
DECMAK is completely menu-driven and so is easy to use by ship's officers who have little or no previous computer experience.
In the event of a 'Real' emergency, DECMAK can be used to guide the officer through the necessary procedures, step by step. Used in this way, DECMAK prompts the officer one instruction at a time, and records the officer's response. DECMAK then seeks confirmation that each instruction has been carried out. Therefore, even an officer who has recently joined the ship and who may be unfamiliar with the specific procedures for that ship, is able to take the appropriate measures.
Alternatively, because DECMAK behaves as an 'intelligent check list', it can also be used to simply record the actions initiated by the Master or officer in charge. Used in this way, DECMAK helps ensure that no essential measure is omitted, as well as providing a record of what actions have been taken.
DECMAK can also be used as a training aid to familiarise a ship's officer with the general procedures appropriate to each specific type of emergency. Since the procedures are tailored to each particular ship, this familiarisation process also serves to highlight any 'special' procedures which are peculiar to the ship on which it is used.
When used for Damage Control, DECMAK guides the ship's officer through all of the standard procedures which are necessary to:
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Minimise the effects of any hull damage which may have occurred. |
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Assess and monitor the extent of the damage. |
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Lower the vertical centre of gravity. |
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Avoid excessive angles of heel. |
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Isolate watertight compartments in which damage has been sustained. |
Secure all intact compartments to prevent further ingress of water as the hull is submerged to the 'bilged' water line.
When DECMAK is installed on the same computer as Minitech's PAXSTAB Trim & Stability package, DECMAK automatically interrogates the current 'Live' loading condition to determine the Damage Control actions which require the emptying, filling or cross-levelling of fuel or water tanks.
For each ship Minitech will prepare a ship particulars database from the following sources:
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Approved Damage Control Plan. |
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'Instructions to the Master' for maintaining the safety of the ship in the event of flooding (normally part of the Approved Trim & Stability Booklet). |
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'Instructions to the Master' for avoiding excessive angles of heel when damaged (normally part of the Approved Trim & Stability Booklet). |
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Fleet Regulations as laid down by the shipowner. |
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Consultations with the ship's owners, operators and officers. |
Once initial setup is complete, Minitech provides a complete on board installation and training service. Minitech also provides a post-installation Support Service, including telephone support, regular program updates and in-service visits.
System Requirements: Windows 95/98, NT,2000 or XP, 32 MB RAM, 30MB free hard disk space and a printer.
Minitech Systems Limited, Bridle Way, off St. Vincents Close, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0PB, U.K.
Phone: 01223 277049 Fax: 01223 277632
From Outside U.K. Phone: +44 1223 277049, Fax: +44 1223 277632
Email: mail@minitech-systems.com
