Blog
Marine Safety: LED Lights
MSIB: Newly published technical standard addresses LED radio interference to maritime VHF radio and AIS
By
The Coast Guard Inspections and Compliance Directorate has published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 03-22 to inform mariners of newly published technical standard addressing LED radio interference to maritime VHF radio and AIS.
USCG Marine Safety Alert 13-18
advised mariners of poor reception on VHF frequencies used for
radiotelephone and automatic identification systems (AIS) when in the
vicinity of light emitting diode (LED) lighting on-board ships
(including navigation lights and deck lights). Consequentially, the
Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM), a 501(c)(3)
international non-profit scientific, professional and educational
organization established to address problems such as this, was asked to
investigate this problem and develop a solution. Consequently, RTCM in
cooperation with the Coast Guard researched numerous electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) standards and performed exhaustive EMC tests of
various LED navigation and other above deck lighting.
On 13 April
2022, RTCM adopted RTCM Standard 13700.0 Electromagnetic Compatibility
Requirements for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Devices and other Electrical
and Electronic Equipment in the Vicinity of Shipboard Antennas for the
Protection of On-Board Receivers. RTCM Standard 13700.0 is designed to
protect GMDSS MF/HF and mobile satellite receivers, maritime VHF, AIS
and GNSS receivers from deck-mounted electrical equipment, especially
equipment installed near antennas. The USCG is confident that LED
lighting or other equipment meeting this standard will not cause
interference to these systems.
The Coast Guard urges
manufacturers, installers and users of LED navigation lights, deck
lights and other above-deck lighting, as well as other electrical
equipment installed in the vicinity of shipboard antennas, to consider
use of this standard.
/Coast Guard Maritime Commons
History: Power of the “Pub"
White Horse Inn
Maybe it’s just the “Irish” in my ancestral history, but I’m intrigued by the historical role that pub’s played in Christian discipleship and Christian fellowship over the years. The Pub was a place to meet and enjoy the company of friends—long before the building’s that we call “churches” had a Fellowship Hall.
This rich history is celebrated by the online podcast “White Horse Inn.” You can listen in on some of the contemporary conversation’s regarding matter's political and theological, and you will come to the truthful realization that politics and theology are actually inseparably intertwined.
A Sample:
Who is the devil? Where does he come from, and how do modern perceptions of him line up with biblical teaching? On this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and special guest Pastor David Cassidy discuss the idea of personified evil and the way caricatures of Satan and his origins have transformed through the ages and are reflected on the pages of Scripture.
Enjoy the conversation.
/fl
Sailing
New York Yacht Club American Magic Returns to Pensacola
Newport, R.I. – New York Yacht Club American Magic is set to return to Pensacola, Florida for training later this year. This marks the team’s third winter training on the Gulf Coast. In 2018, American Magic was the first America’s Cup team to train in Florida since 1970. The Mule, a 38-foot test boat, first took to the Gulf waters in 2018 and then in 2019 on DEFIANT, the team’s AC75 – a 75-foot monohull.
American Magic plans to build out the team’s base this summer in advance of winter training. The team will move to Pensacola in September of this year and train all winter until relocating to Barcelona for the final push into AC37. The team’s base and boat are currently being packed up in New Zealand and are expected to clear U.S. customs in late May.
“Returning to Pensacola was an easy decision for us,” said Terry Hutchinson, Skipper, and President of Sailing Operations for NYYC American Magic.” The Pensacola community has embraced the American Magic team. Pensacola Bay has proven to be an ideal training venue for foiling monohulls. We hope to forge a longer term plan in Pensacola for the team.”
Pensacola is known to be a premiere sailing venue in the United States. There is consistent wind on the bay, which is geographically relatively flat making for a great natural foiling location. PATRIOT, the team’s AC75, will splash after September 17, 2022.