WO2004009439A1

WO2004009439A1 - Maritime security system, method of fitting such a system to a ship, and device for holding a pole of such a system

Info

Publication number: WO2004009439A1
Application number: PCT/NL2002/000501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raphael Kahn; Hendrik Pieter Johannes Moerland
Original assignee: Raphael Kahn; Moerland Hendrik Pieter Johann
Priority date: 2002-07-24
Filing date: 2002-07-24
Publication date: 2004-01-29
Also published as: AU2002318067A1

Abstract

A maritime security system, comprises at least two poles (11, 14), with means (22) for mounting the poles to the hull of a ship (1), fencing elements (15), and means for erecting a fence between the poles, when mounted to the hull, using the fencing elements. The system further comprises means (16) for repelling a person making contact with the fence.

Description

Maritime security system, method of fitting such a system to a ship, and device for holding a pole of such a system.

The invention relates to a maritime security system, comprising at least two poles, with means for mounting the poles to the hull of a ship, fencing elements, and means for erecting a fence between the poles, when mounted to the hull, using the fencing elements.

The invention further relates to a device for holding an end of a pole, mountable to the hull of a ship and suitable for use in such a system.

The invention also relates to a method of fitting such a system to a ship.

An example of a maritime security system of the type mentioned above is known from the abstract of JP 2001283336. In the known system, a detection device is provided with a detector connected to an end of a wire. The wire is slideably supported and spread on the tips of plural struts formed on the gunwale of a ship's body, so as to be extruded to the sea side. The detector is provided with a wire drum for winding the wire. A photoelectric switch is provided and a plate member, connected to the drum. The switch is driven when the wire is pulled and the drum rotated.

A problem associated with the known system is that it merely provides a warning to the crew of a ship. A warning that cannot be heard by others, and is given when pirates have almost boarded the ship does not provide much extra safety to the crew.

It is an aim of the invention to provide a maritime security system that helps the crew to thwart an attempt to board a ship fitted with the system.

This aim is achieved by means of the system according to the invention, which is characterised in that the system comprises means for repelling a person making contact with the fence.

The system thus constitutes a barrier to intruders. Because the fence is mounted to the hull, pirates must pass it to board the ship. In passing it, they will contact the fence and be repelled. Even if they are not completely stopped, the consequent delay will give the crew more time to arm themselves or send out warnings. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fencing elements comprise one or more conductive wires, and the system comprises at least one energiser, and means for connecting the energiser (s) to the wires for applying a voltage to the wires, wherein the energiser is preferably capable of applying a voltage to the wires that is high enough to give the person making contact with the fence a perceptible electric shock.

Thus, pirates attempting to board the ship are repelled by an electric shock the moment they touch one of the conductive wires and the ship's hull or a grounded wire in the fence.

Preferably, the system comprises a detection unit, connectable to the fencing elements, for detecting contact with the fencing elements, and comprising means for triggering an alarm upon detection of contact.

Thus, not only are pirates repelled when they attempt to board the ship, but the crew is also alerted to the attempt to board the ship. They can then take further appropriate measures . According to an aspect of the invention, a device is provided for holding an end of a pole, mountable to the hull of a ship and suitable for use in a system according to the invention, which device is adapted to hold the pole in one of at least two different positions. Thus, it is possible to swivel the fence between a position in which it is in the way of persons attempting to board the ship into a position in which it is out of the way. This is useful, for example, when the ship is moored along a quay in the harbour. It can be docked and unloaded without having to remove the entire system.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of fitting a security system according to the invention to a ship is provided, comprising mounting at least two devices for holding a pole to the hull of the ship in such a way that the poles, when held by the devices, can extend from the hull at an angle to the hull. Thus, the fence is effectively in the way of anyone attempting to board the ship. This is especially true when an attempt is made to board the ship using grappling irons and ropes flung over the gunwale. Anyone climbing the ropes must pass the fence, but will be held up due to both the presence of the fence and to the fact that contact with the fence will result in an unpleasant electric shock.

The invention will now be explained in further detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a very schematic top view of a ship, fitted with an embodiment of the system according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram, showing some components of an embodiment of the system according to the invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an end pole in a pole holder, both forming part of an embodiment of the system.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the pole holder and pole of the system.

The invention provides a system, a set of components functioning together, to be fitted to a ship 1, shown schematically in Fig. 1. The system comprises means for erecting a fence at the perimeter of the ship 1. Preferably, the fence is mounted to the outside of the ship's hull or to the gunwale of the ship 1, although it would be possible to mount it to structures on the ship's deck, such as a bridge 2. In Fig. 1, the fence comprises a number of independent sections: a rear section 3, a first port section 4, a second port section 5 and a starboard section 6.

Referring to Fig. 2, an overview is given of the major components of the system. A control unit 7 is provided for entering user commands, switching the system on and off, etc. This control unit 7 can, for example, be installed on the bridge 2. A detection unit 8 is also provided. The detection unit 8 is connected to an antenna 9, for receiving control signals from the control unit 7, which is likewise connected to an antenna 10, by radio. Of course, a wire connection would also be possible, but this embodiment has the advantage of being easier to install.

In the preferred embodiment, the means for erecting the fence sections 4-6 comprise poles 11-14 and conductive wires 15, to be strung between the poles 11-14. The system will comprise as many poles 11-14 as are needed to erect a fence around the ship 1, and they will be of a dimension appropriate to the ship 1. Thus, the system will make use of differently dimensioned poles 11-14 and a different number of wires 15 for a small boat and for a large freighter. A system in which other types of fencing elements than wires 15 are used is also considered to fall within the scope of the invention. For example, other embodiments could use a mesh, metal plates or bars, etc. It is noted that the wires 15 can be part of a rope with non-conductive, e.g. polymer yarns, which is strung between the poles 11-14.

The system further comprises an energiser 16, which is electrically connected to the conductive wires 15, and is capable of applying a voltage to them.

When fitted to the ship 1, the system is capable of performing two functions. Firstly it is capable of detecting attempts to board the ship 1, secondly it is capable of repelling a person attempting to board the ship 1 who makes contact with one of the conductive wires 15 whilst doing so. This means that such a person is subjected to a situation of extreme physical discomfort, sufficient to deter him from proceeding further, or at least sufficient to compel him to break contact. Using the control unit 7, the system can be set to different modes, wherein it performs both or either of the two functions. Preferably, the system is also capable of switching between modes autonomously, under certain conditions, as will be explained in further detail below. The energiser 16 can be grounded to the ship's hull and/or connected to grounding wires in the fence. It is capable of applying a voltage to the conductive wires 15 that is high enough to give a person contacting a conductive wire 15 and the ship's hull, or a grounding wire, an electric shock. Preferably, this is done in such a way that the pirate attempting to board the ship 1, is deterred from trying again, or lets loose the fence in a reflex. Preferably the fence is mounted in such a way that the poles 11-14 extend from the hull at an angle to the hull, i.e. not tangent to the hull. In this way, the fence provides a hindrance to pirates in two ways. It is in the way and forces pirates to perform some acrobatic feats to pass it. It cannot be passed without touching it, producing an electric shock that repels the pirate.

In one embodiment, the system does not provide a lethal shock. To ensure that the system meets safety regulations, yet still provides a sufficient deterrent, the energiser 16 provides pulsed high voltage. Pulses can be provided at a frequency of about 50 Hz. The energiser 16 further comprises a current li iter, for limiting the amount of energy that can be supplied in one pulse to a value of around 8 J. The voltage applied to the fence in this mode of operation is of the order of 1000-10000 V, preferably 5000- 10000 V, and ideally about 9000 V.

As mentioned, the system is equipped to detect a change in the voltage applied to the wires 15. Such a drop occurs, when a person makes contact with the wires 15. The detection unit 8 can then send appropriate signals to floodlights 17 and sirens 18, which preferably form part of the system. Thus, not only are intruders repelled, but the crew of the ship 1 is also given adequate warning of an attempt to board the ship 1.

To lessen the chance of false alarms, the detection unit 8 is preferably adapted to trigger the alarm if the voltage has dropped below a certain reference level for longer than a certain period of time. Thus, furtive contact with one of the wires 15 will not trigger the alarm. In such a case, it is assumed that the person contacting the wire 15 has been deterred and no longer constitutes a threat.

Preferably, the detection unit 8 is further adapted to trigger the alarm approximately immediately if the voltage drops below a second level, lower than the first reference level. Thus, if the wire is grounded or cut, the alarm is immediately given. As will be explained later, the system of the invention comprises several additional features that lessen the chance of false alarms being given.

It is possible to operate the system in a mode, wherein it only performs the function of detecting attempts to board. In that case, the energiser 16 applies a lower voltage to the wires 15. This can be useful if the ship 1 is moored to the quay.

Preferably, the system is capable of switching between modes autonomously. Under normal conditions, the system, and in particular the energiser 16, draws power from the on-board mains supply of the ship 1. However, it preferably also comprises one or more batteries (not shown) for powering the energiser 16. In the preferred embodiment, the energiser 16 or detection unit 8 is capable of detecting a loss of power supplied from the mains. The system then autonomously switches to the mode of operation wherein a low voltage is applied to the conductive wires 15 and only the detection function is maintained. This has the advantage that the alarm can still be given, even if there is not enough power to maintain the intruder repellent function.

Referring to Fig. 1, it will be noticed that the fence comprises separate sections 3-6. Many more sections are possible, due to the way the fence is built up. The invention provides fence components that allow a division of the perimeter of the area to be protected into zones, each comprising one or more of the fence sections 3-6. The control unit 7 enables different modes of operation to be set for the different zones. Thus, for example, it is possible to divide the system into a starboard and a port zone. Different settings can apply to the sections in the two zones, making it possible to repel intruders making contact with the starboard section 6, but to only detect intruders making contact with the first and second port sections 4,5, for example. This is useful when the ship 1 is moored to the quay on the port side, for example. In the same manner, the system can be turned off for sections of the fence.

In the embodiment here described, the system comprises end poles 11, intermediate poles 13, strong poles 14 and special end poles 12 (see Fig. 2) . The energiser 16 is connected to the conductive wires 15 at an end pole 11. Fig. 3 is a sketch of a strong pole 14. It has fastening means 19, to which are connected springs 20 and wire tensioning devices 21. The wire tensioning devices 21 are connected to the wires 15. An end pole 11 and a special end pole 12 are similar to a strong pole 14, except that there are only fastening means 19 on one side. The conductive wires 15 are electrically isolated from the rest of the pole 11-14. To erect the fence, each pole 11-14 is inserted into a pole holder 22. One end of a conductive wire 15 is fastened to an end pole 11, special end pole 12 or strong pole 14. The other end is likewise fastened to fastening means 19 on an end pole 11, special end pole 12 or strong pole 14. The wire 15 is passed through isolator positions on intermediate poles 13, mounted between two end poles 11,12, two strong poles 14, or a strong pole 14 and an end pole 11,12, as may be the case. It is noted that each fence section 3-6 comprises two end poles 11,12, but that the number of strong poles 14 depends on the length of the fence section. The springs 20 and wire tensioning devices 21 confer the advantage of decreasing the likelihood of false alarm in bad weather conditions . They prevent the wires 15 from swinging due to the wind or to the rolling of the ship 1, and thus from making contact with objects that could cause a drop in voltage.

Special end poles 12 differ from normal end poles 11, in that they comprise means for electrically connecting a connector line 23 (see Fig. 2) . This has the advantage that a fence can be divided into sections with an opening in between, for example for allowing access to a gangway. Using the connector line 23, both sections can be part of the same zone. In this way, the first and second port fence sections 4,5 in Fig. 1 are part of one zone.

The poles 11-14 are attached to the ship 1 by means of a special pole holder 22 (see Figs. 3 and 4). The pole holder 22 is fixed to the deck, bulwark, gunwale or other part of the hull, for example by riveting or welding. The pole 14 is then inserted into the pole holder 22. This has the advantage that parts of or all of the fence can be temporarily removed, for example during loading operations. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the pole holder 22 is adapted to hold the pole 14 in one of at least two different positions a,b,c. Thus, in position a, for example, the pole 14 will extend from the hull of the ship 1 at an angle to the hull, preferably such that it is horizontal. It can easily be swivelled to position b, in which it is preferably parallel to the hull, i.e. out of the way to allow loading and unloading or docking of the ship 1. In position b, the poles 11-14 are also more easily accessible, making installation easier. Position c could be necessary to protect ships with a special kind of geometry, for example to cover a port hole or hatch. Of course, embodiments are possible in which the pole holder 22 allows the pole 14 to be held in a plurality of intermediate positions.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which can be varied within the scope of the attached claims. For example, it is possible to provide a different type of high voltage, for instance at a different pulse rate, in order to repel intruders.

Claims

1. Maritime security system, comprising at least two poles (11-14), with means for mounting the poles (11-14) to the hull of a ship (1), fencing elements (15) , and means for erecting a fence between the poles (11-14), when mounted to the hull, using the fencing elements, characterised in that the system comprises means for repelling a person making contact with the fence.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the fencing elements comprise one or more conductive wires (15) , and the system comprises at least one energiser (16) , and means for connecting the energiser (s) (16) to the wires (15) for applying a voltage to the wires (15) .

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the energiser (16) is capable of applying a voltage to the wires (15) that is high enough to give the person making contact with the fence a perceptible electric shock.

4. System according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the energiser (s) (16) comprise (s) means for limiting the electrical power supplied through the wires (16) to a certain safety value.

5. System according to any one of claims 2-4, comprising means (20,21), attachable to a conductive wire (15) and mountable to a pole (11-14), for tensioning the conductive wire (15) .

6. System according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the system comprises at least two end poles (11,12), with means for attaching the conductive wires (15) in an insulating manner.

7. System according to claim 6, further comprising one or more connector lines (23) for connecting one or more conductive wires (15) attached to an end pole (12) of a first section of the fence to conductive wires (15) attached to an end pole (12) of a second section of the fence.

8. System according to any one of claims 2-7, further comprising a control unit (7) and means (16), responsive to the control unit (7), for supplying a different or no voltage to the conductive wires (15) in one or more of a plurality of sections of the fence.

9. System according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising a detection unit (8), connectable to the fencing elements, for detecting contact with the fencing elements, and comprising means (8,17,18) for triggering an alarm upon detection of contact.

10. System according to claim 9, in so far as dependent on claim 2, wherein the detection unit (8) comprises means for detecting a change in the voltage applied to the wires (15) .

11. System according to any one of claims 2-10, comprising one or more batteries for powering the energiser(s) (16).

12. System according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the detection unit (8) is adapted to trigger the alarm if the voltage has dropped below a first reference level for longer than a certain period of time.

13. System according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the detection unit (8) is further adapted to trigger the alarm approximately immediately if the voltage drops below a second reference level, lower than the first reference level.

14. System according to any one of claims 2-13, comprising means for connecting the energiser (s) (16) to a mains power supply and means for detecting a loss of power supplied from the mains, wherein the system is arranged to autonomously lower the voltage applied to the wires (15) in response to a detected loss of power.

15. Device (22) for holding an end of a pole (11-14) , mountable to the hull of a ship (1) and suitable for use in a system according to any one of claims 1-14, which device (22) is adapted to hold the pole (11-14) in one of at least two different positions (a,b,c).

16. Method of fitting a security system according to any one of claims 1-14 to a ship (1) , comprising mounting at least two devices (22) for holding a pole (11-14) to the hull of the ship (1) in such a way that the poles (11-14), when held by the devices (22), can extend from the hull at an angle to the hull.