BMT Software Shores up Safety at Sea Systems

The SARIS Incident Management System (SARIS IMS) consists of three modules designed to ensure information flow and situational awareness during maritime rescue operations:

· SARIS Information Management Module;

· SARIS Resource Management Module;

· SARIS 4MC Module (drift modelling).

As it manages information flow between casualty vessels, Maritime or Joint Rescue Co-ordinations Centres (MRCC/JRCCs) and Search and Rescue units attending the scene, the SAR Information Management Module ensures smooth and timely communication.

In addition, the SAR Resource Management Module monitors the status and progress of search and rescue units to and from incidents, while the SAR Incident Information Management module supports the operator in gathering and processing incident information. This ensures SAR Mission Co-ordinators are equipped with a dynamic visual picture of the situation on large wall mounted status board display systems, powered by individual workstations. Information has only to be input once in order to be disseminated around the system and analysed by the various modules.

The new offering is an extension of BMT’s original ground-breaking SAR software, SARIS. This tool was developed in 1996 in conjunction with the MCA to enable the drift modeling of vessels, objects and survivors at sea following a maritime accident. The software is in use around the world by organisations ranging from the Royal Navy to the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center (MRCC). The latest version of the software, SARIS 4MC will be fully integrated with the other modules and for the first time the drift calculations will be powered by the latest particle tracking algorithms.

These three modules have been integrated to work together seamlessly, allowing rescue operations to be carried out with increased efficiency and up-to-the-minute information. The integrated SARIS IMS will provide improved functionality over previous versions, giving SAR Mission Co-ordinators invaluable help in making critical resource deployment and split second operational decisions. The entire system is being developed with consideration for Human Machine Interface (HMI) issues high on the agenda.

BMT Cordah, Business Development Manager, Tim Parker commented: “BMT has recognised and responded to the insistent global call for integrated maritime systems. Modern SAR Co-ordination centres are facilitated by a number of software support systems where officers involved are required to use three or four different keyboards and screens.

“Partially interfaced systems have been delivered previously but BMT Cordah believes that only through full integration will systems and operators achieve their true potential, reducing time and room for error, and ultimately saving lives.”