AU2019100960A4

AU2019100960A4 - Collision warning system for a boat

Info

Publication number: AU2019100960A4
Application number: AU2019100960A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Glen Terlick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-27
Filing date: 2019-08-27
Publication date: 2019-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-27
Also published as: AU2019100960B4

Abstract

Abstract A system for sensing the position of a tugboat relative to a larger vessel. The system uses proximity sensors on either side of the tugboat to gauge the distance between the two vessels and is capable of providing warning signals and/or a visual indication of the distance. 4' ZZ 0 z oW 0.m .5 -t -IL

Description

DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

A Tugboat is a marine vessel used for towing or berthing much larger vessels (ships), working in very close proximity. (Drawings: Figure 1 refers). Depending on weather and vessel shape, the Tugboat Skipper may not always have full view of the closest point of his/her Tugboat to the ship (this may be above the bridge and out of site). Collisions of Tugboat infrastructure with the ship can and do occur. This invention will assist in minimising the risk of collision by providing the Tugboat Skipper with warning of the ship's distance from the Tugboat's closest point of contact.

This invention is different from others in that it will not control movement or operation of the Tugboat in any way. It also excludes measuring or controlling force of Tugboat propulsion from the Tugboat bow directly onto the ship's hull.

BACKGROUND

Attachment of Tow lines between a ship and a Tugboat are fundamental to successful manoeuvring and berthing operations. Typically a ship's crew will throw a heaving line. This will be collected by the Tugboat crew and attached to a messenger line. This in turn will be attached to the much heavier tow line and pulled or winched aboard the ship for securing to a bollard. For all this to be achieved safely the Tugboat Skipper, the ship's Pilot and both crews must work carefully together, enabling the Tugboat to manoeuvre to within very close proximity of the ship. (Drawings: Figure 2 refers).

All this must occur safely, taking into account the following:

• Both the Ship and Tugboat may be in constant motion, independent of each other.

• Swell conditions will influence steering ability, particularly of the smaller Tugboat.

• Weather conditions, particularly rainfall and wind can reduce visibility.

• As the Tugboat draws closer and closer to the ship, its hull will tower above the Tugboat.

• The Tugboat Skipper must manoeuvre his/her vessel closeby but must ensure the safety of crew and vessel by minimising ship contact.

• In cases of heavy swell (or even when working beneath a ship's curved bow) there is often a risk that infrastructure external to or above the Tugboat Bridge may come in contact with the ship's hull.

• This infrastructure may be out of the Skipper's line of site (or indeed directly overhead and hence unseen).

This invention will provide valuable information not previously available to the Tugboat Skipper and will 35 assist with minimising risk of collision.

SUMMARY

This invention utilises a combination of instruments. These will be installed on each Tugboat and commissioned according to the Tugboat design and onboard infrastructure. Fundamental to the success of 40 this invention will be the type and location of external sensors. These will be deployed by agreement with Tugboat operators and management at onboard locations such that they monitor the distance between likely point of Tugboat contact and ship.

The Tugboat Skipper will have the following available to him/her on the Tugboat Bridge:

• Electronic Display showing distance in metres (or feet) from the Tugboat infrastructure port side to nearby solid surface (i.e. Ship's hull).

2019100960 27 Aug 2019 • Electronic Display showing distance in metres (or feet) from the Tugboat infrastructure starboard side to nearby solid surface (i.e. Ship's hull).

• An audible sound triggered once a preset distance threshold is reached.

• Another audible sound when a second and closer distance threshold is reached.

• Another audible warning when a third and critical distance threshold is reached.

• These distance thresholds shall be adjustable for different vessels and established by agreement at commissioning.

• The Tugboat Skipper shall have control over the electronic distance display plus muting and/or volume of audible warning sounds.

Onboard sensors will be according to individual Tugboat requirements, typically selected from various technologies, examples set out below:

• Horizontal distance via Radar Sensor • Horizontal distance via Ultrasonic Sensor

Onboard sensors shall be mounted securely onboard by agreement.

Sensors and Electronic Display shall typically be DC voltage powered and hardwired into the Tugboat electrical system. This connection shall only be performed by a qualified Technician abiding by all relevant safety and electrical standards.

This invention may be put to similar use on other vessels not classified as Tugboats.

This invention, once deployed, may also be used to monitor horizontal distances between the vessel's infrastructure and other structures, such as wharves, pylons, bridge underpasses, markers, buoys and other marine obstacles.

DRAWINGS

Figure 1: Typical Tugboat approach for connecting Tow Line to Ship's bow

Figure 2: Tugboat's tallest point of infrastructure at risk of contact with ship

2019100960 27 Aug 2019

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

INNOVATION PATENT

MONITORING TUG INFRASTRUCTURE PROXIMITY

The following statement is a full description of claims for this invention, as known at the time of application.

2019100960 27 Aug 2019

Claims

This invention is different from that within a patent entitled Tug Approach Control due to the following:

• This invention does not use force detection sensors, or meteorological sensors.

• This invention does not apply when the tugboat is approaching a vessel ready to apply force via the Tugboat bow.

• This invention will not control movement of the Tugboat in any way.

• This invention always requires a Tugboat Skipper to control and manoeuvre the Tugboat.

• This invention requires a proximity sensor to be installed on each of the port and starboard sides of the Tugboat, located by agreement such that it monitors what would be the likely point of infrastructure contact during rough seas, or more particularly, whilst manoeuvring within close proximity of the curved hull or bow of a much larger vessel.

• This invention will utilise a combination of instrumentation to provide valuable information to the Tugboat Skipper thereby enhancing his/her ability to manoeuvre safely.

• This information has not been previously available to the Tugboat Skipper directly within the Bridge.

Installation of this invention on a Tugboat will enable the following :

• As the Tugboat approaches the larger and/or taller vessel, the distance of its sensor point from that vessel will be displayed on an electronic display.

• Two displayed readings will be available: port side and starboard side.

• Normally just one display will be in use, dictated by location of the larger vessel and the direction of approach.

• Alarms audible to the Tugboat Skipper will sound as the sensor point draws closer and closer to the larger vessel.

• The distances to trigger these alarms shall be preset by agreement at commissioning.

• These alarms shall each be different, dependent upon closeness of the tugboat sensor to the larger vessel.

• Time and distance data shall be digitally logged such that it may be reviewed.