The final network component to be mounted was the icom receiver, Ic- m603. It’s one of three DSC (Digital Select Calling) radio receivers on the vessel network. All are properly connected to give accurate information through each device via mnea 2000.

How does it work?

There is an antenna connected to the devices which provides its gps position and call out range. A transponder on the vessel, the icom ma-500tr, recalls this information with AIS ( Automatic Identification System) . It then transmits a more detailed logbook of data, as well receiving. This information includes details of any ship with AIS on the water. If a ship does not have AIS, it will only appear on radar.

The radar is connected to the same network and works through nmea 2000, with the chart plotters. Again for the same positioning reasons, there are three chart plotters on the vessel. The Garmin network of the gps chart plotters, is also connect through nmea 2000 and is compatible and sharing with the icom systems.

This sharing allows the AIS transponder information to appear on the chart plotter screens. It gives you automatic course heading away and to, emergency alarms, and other aids for safety and navigation. That’s how it DSCs it.

These navigation aids are position for the captain and navigator, in the lower helm and on the fly bridge upper helm. This can minimise risks and provide optimum servailance on research, with the delegated crew of three or four.

The 6 Anodes fit on the bottom of the trawler had eroded. Even with the cleared osmosis and anti-fouled hull, they were not going to work well. One was completely eroded to nothing.

This was the best opportunity to replace them. The surfaces needed to be cleared away so the anodes would make a clear contact with the metal of the ships hull. This would cancel currents, to reduce the engine and metals on the hull making charges that would increase the rate of erosion and growth of barnacles and even osmosis again.

The anodes are ideally located where these currents are mostly generated on the hull outside the vessel.