Ship Electronics

Electronic devices classed for use in the marine environment. All electronics used onboard must be designed to fit in the small confines of a bridge and can come in contact with salt water, so they are made to be very water resistant or waterproof. A wide variety of marine electronics are available in the marketplace. Some common devices found on modern ships are:

Autopilot and/or self-steering systems

These systems must coordinate data from many devices on the ship and interface with control and propulsion systems to keep the vessel on a predetermined course.

Chartplotter

A chartplotter is a device used in marine navigation to combine GPS data with an electronic navigational chart (ENC) to display the position, heading and speed of a vessel, and may display additional information from radar, automatic information systems (AIS) or other sensors. Electronic chartplotters must be used with one or more computers, and may also display data from other sensors, such as echolocators, radar and/or sonar, or automatic information systems.

Compass

Modern ship compasses use a series of fibre optic gyroscope sensors and computers to locate north. This system usually includes sensors, control and display equipment, and an interface linked with the ship's other navigational devices and global positioning system.

Sonar (or Fishfinder)

Acoustic devices using electronically emitted and detected pulses of sound to locate underwater objects. These include transmitters, receivers, and equipment used to analyze acoustic information.

GPS

Global Positioning Systems are space-based radio-navigation systems that broadcast highly accurate navigation pulses to users on or near the Earth.

Fuel monitoring and management

The rising prices of marine fuel and heightened emissions regulations have led to advances in the technology used to measure, monitor, and report fuel use. Electronic MFM devices can reduce fuel costs and increase operational efficiency.

Marine VHF radio

Marine VHF radio is used by all large ships and most seagoing small craft to summon rescue services and communicate with harbors, locks, bridges and marinas. A marine VHF set combines a transmitter and receiver and only operates on standard, international frequencies specified for marine use.

Radar

Radar is an object detection system that emits electromagnetic waves and analyzes their interaction with objects. Radar systems are able to identify the range, altitude, and velocity of moving and stationary objects such as aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and meteorological formations.

Maritime Piracy in the Horn of Africa:

The Horn of Africa, strategically positioned at the nexus of global trade routes, has long faced the specter of maritime piracy. The waters off Somalia, in particular, have been notorious for piracy incidents that have disrupted international shipping, imperiled seafarers, and prompted multinational military responses. This region's unique combination of socio-economic, political, and geographic factors has engendered a breeding ground for modern piracy, posing complex challenges for the international community

Port Authority

A port authority operates ports and other transportation infrastructure for a special-purpose district. Whether operated directly by the government or in cooperation with government agencies, North American port authorities are public entities and are governed by a board or commission.

Role of Private Security Companies in Combating Maritime Piracy

Private Security Companies (PSCs) play a crucial role in combating maritime piracy, especially in high-risk areas such as the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, and parts of the West African coast. The increase in piracy, particularly in the early 2000s, led to a higher demand for specialized security services.

Tanker Vessels are vital links in the global supply chain

Tanker ships are an important component of the maritime sector, and they transport liquid cargoes around the world. These vessels are vital to the supply chain for energy, chemicals and other essential commodities. There are many types of tankers, each designed for specific cargoes such as oil, LNG, chemicals, or other liquids.

Armed Robbery at Sea: Navigating The High Seas of Crime

The vast, open oceans have long served as conduits for commerce, adventure, and exploration. However, along with the grandeur of maritime activities comes inherent risks, one of which is the specter of armed robbery at sea. Also known broadly as maritime piracy, this menacing threat envelops not just the economic marine highway but also the lives and safety of those who navigate it.