Maritime Systems

Keywords: Shipboard systems, marine transport, marine equipment, navigational systems, telecommunications systems, real-time process controls, engine room controls, cargo monitoring systems, cargo control systems, networks (LANs), PCs, radar mapping, ballast monitoring, cargo loading, ship performance monitoring, engine room vibration monitor, service aid for ship's control system, ship main control system, engine automation systems, propulsion control systems, Global Positioning System receivers, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, engine management and alarm systems, radar and navigation systems, cargo handling and tank control systems, communications networks. Port Systems: extensive computer-based infrastructure,cargo terminal systems and equipment, traffic management systems.

International Maritime Organization is the United Nations' specialized agency responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships. IMO has through its Maritime Safety Committee issued a Circular 868 (May 1998) titled, "Addressing the Year 2000 Problem".  The problem affects computers in the office and throughout each ship in a wide variety of devices with embedded microchips. The issue may be as simple as a timer or a GPS receiver or as sophisticated as the monitoring and control system for the main engine plant. ... Failure to identify and correct systems that could be effected by the Y2K problem could result in a more serious safety problem such as unexpected shutdown of the main engines and ships navigation systems resulting in a collision or grounding of the ship.

www.Ship2000.com The Year2000 Problem What systems are at risk? "Recent research suggests that the transport industry is less aware of the Year 2000 problem than many other industries - especially in respect of the threat posed by embedded chips. Furthermore, evidence presented by Gartner Group, one of the leading IT consultancy companies and several Government Agencies suggests that medium and small businesses are far behind the large businesses in identifying and taking action to remedy their Year 2000 compliance problems."

United States Coast Guard Year 2000 The insidious nature of this problem is compounded by the fact that identical devices, performing well today, may act very differently in the year 2000. This potentially drastic difference in performance is caused simply because a slightly different chip is embedded within them.  Experts recommend that you check out any smart system or electronic device you rely upon: WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT!   With this in mind, and in the interest of ensuring safety on our shared waterways, the Coast Guard  will act as a clearing house for any lessons learned or problems identified associated with this issue.  Accordingly, we encourage anyone who experiences Y2K related problems and/or identifies possible solutions to those problems, to share their experiences by using the Coast Guard World-Wide Web site.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority