15th December 2004

3rd December 2004

US Coast Guard Approves Satamatics Ocean Alert
Satamatics, the operator of satellite-based asset tracking and remote monitoring services, reports that its Ocean Alert Ship Security Alert System has received approval by the US Coast Guard. Following an in-depth evaluation, the US Coast Guard recognizes Ocean Alert as being in full compliance with the technological and operational requirements of its Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars, and that the system meets all the relevant IMO standards contained within the ISPS Code. As a result, Satamatics’ Ocean Alert is now approved for use by US-flagged vessels.

20th November 2004

Lilley & Gillie introduce new range of products.
Since the take over of Walker Instruments Lilley and Gillie have been working hard at rationalising and re-engineering the complete range. The has resulted in the discontinuation of several models and the introduction of an exciting new range.

15th November 2004

Safmarine communications upgrade.
SMD completed an upgrade program on 4 Safmarine vessels, supplying and fitting NERA F77 Inmarsat F terminals. The SA Helderberg, SA Sederberg, Maersk Constantia and SA Winterberg were given the most up to date Maritime Satellite communication equipment on the market. Capabilities include telephone, fax, ISDN, e-mail as well as the new MPDS service for internet access at sea and the latest HSD 128K data transfer speed. The time between receipt of the order and the final installation was a mere 6 weeks.

SMD Telecommunications managed the efficient coordination between the suppliers in Norway and Safmarine Ship Managers in Cape Town to meet the requirements of the vessels sailing schedules. Decomissioning and dismantling the existing Inmarsat 'A' systems and effecting installation of the NERA F77 during the vessels scheduled portcalls in Cape Town. The whole project was completed well ahead of schedule.

15th October 2004

Mcmurdo Fastfind PLB,Top Performer During Vermont Trials.
In a recent system check of the Personal Locator Beacon Emergency Response System in Vermont, the McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB turned in the best performance among the PLBs tested in terms of time needed to fix on the target and locate the beacon. McMurdo is a leading manufacturer of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).

12th October 2004

Nera SatCom adds Inmarsat-C to its range.
Nera Satcom AS has re-introduced Inmarsat-C products to its range of maritime mobile satellite communication products. The popular and successful Saturn C was withdrawn from production some time ago but now there is a successor. The NERA C and NERA MINI C are now available for immediate supply.

6th October 2004

Satamatics SSAS and vessel tracking.
Recent changes in the IMO regulations have led to the mandatory fitting of Ship’s Security Alert Systems (SSAS) on board ship. This should, on many vessels, be completed by the first survey after 1st July 2004. Also in the future is a requirement for long range tracking of ships at sea.

23rd March 2004

Oceanology International 2004
During a visit of a SMD Representative to the Oceanology International 2004 Hydrographic trade show from 17 to 19 March in the ExCel in London our principal SRD introduced their new Digital Tide Monitor. Major improvements to the actual Tide Monitor and the Windows based user-friendly Display Software make this system a market leader. SMD represents SRD in South Africa.