Security is a very important aspect of human life. Even Abraham Maslow considered it the second most basic need of human beings after the physiological needs (needs that must be satisfied for the individual to stay alive). The reason for this is simple, you will want to secure your life as long as you are alive. In this regard, much effort has been put into security from time immemorial. Before the invention of spy cameras, there were watch guards who regularly exchanged turns to keep watch. You can even nail someone these days without the person’s knowledge. With a recording pen well placed and turned on, you can get hard evidence in the form of a recording.
Technology in its usual manner is not slowing down in all areas and security is no different. Security and safety technology are constantly evolving as people are trusting their lives and properties to the care of the technology. The shipping sector is bereft of a number of dangers. It is also one of the major industries as they are the means of transportation for most goods and services. In this regard, it is very important that you put in substantial measures to ensure its safety and continuity. Security and safety gadgets are becoming more sophisticated as they look to combat security and safety threats. Below are some of the latest trends in safety measured gadgets in 2019.
GPS tracking and real time monitoring
This is vital to ensuring the safety of both humans and cargoes. This is not the regular use of GPS tracking. The trend is both GPS tracking and real-time monitoring. These GPS tracking devices give regular updates on the location and state of the ship. Damages are quickly detected so as to enable the shipping firm to take the necessary steps. These tracking devices can ascertain when something goes wrong because it keeps detailed information about the cargo. Information such as cargo weight, height, size, width, shape, etc. is constantly reported by these devices. With the modern-day tracking devices will not only detect the ship’s location but the condition of the ship as well as what it carries.
Life buoys or life jackets?
The debate of lifebuoys and life jacket is one that has been on for a while. Most people argue that life buoys are easier to use while others claim life jackets are safer. Whatever the case, always ensure you have enough onboard and in different sizes to meet the different age and size requirements. In addition, always have a professional on board to help fit the life jackets on the individuals.
Not your regular first aid
First aid kits are a must and it is not business as usual. Shipping firms always ensure that there are medical personnel onboard. The medical personnel must also be one with knowledge of the marine environment. The items are regularly checked to ensure that not past their best. What is the victim needs more than first aid? The answer is the “Resuscitator Kit”. This can stand in as an ambulance until external support arrives. It has an IPPV, oxygen inhalation system, manual resuscitator, manual suction apparatus, automatic ventilator, small oxygen cylinder and other surgical as well as other diagnostic items that can help the victim till external support arrives.
Internal emergency responses
No matter where a ship is, it will take time for it to get emergency responses. This means it has to “take care” of itself before the external response arrives. Ships are actually not doing poorly in that aspect when it comes to internal responses. Fire extinguishers, life rafts, breathing mechanisms, fire suits, foldable ladders all fit into these categories. Fire extinguishers come in handy in the case of a fire outbreak. Fire suits and breathing mechanisms are also important so that personnel does not endanger themselves while putting out the fire. In the case of a sinking ship, you can count on foldable ladders and life rafts to secure as many people as possible till external help arrives.
Protection double check
Modern-day ships are divided into watertight compartments that will prevent a ship from sinking in the case of damage. These WATERTIGHT BULKHEADS are designed to keep the ship from sinking in the case of damage to any part of the ship. The doors leading to these compartments are equally watertight. Whenever they are opened or closed, a loud bell sound goes off warning everybody that these doors either getting opened or closed. Bulkheads of the ships are usually insulated to reduce the spread of fire and to protect goods on board the ship. With these bulkheads, you can buy enough time to fashion your escape plan before the ship becomes unable to hold anymore.
Personal Protective Equipment is a must
Not all equipment should wait till there is an alarm or threat, some should be worn at all times. Safety helmets, Safety boots, safety gloves, ear plugs or ear mugs, googles (regular or infrared for night vision), life jackets, personnel locator and a host of other devices should always be in your person depending on your area ship. Safety boots, safety helmets, safety gloves, safety helmets, ear muffs, and plugs are very important if you are working with machines. Immersion or fire suits, goggles are also important if you are engaging in heat-related areas such as welding areas. You should always wear personal protective equipment at the appropriate areas so that you do not pose a threat to yourself and the ship
Call for help
No matter how well you carefully plan, you can never plan well enough for accidents. Sometimes, the fault is not from anyone. The best you can do at this point is to make sure you can curb it as much as possible. After taking internal emergency measures, it is only proper to seek external help when you cannot contain the problem. Ships now see to that by ensuring that it is not just the regular use of pyrotechnics. They are now supported by distress signal sending devices such as the GPS of the ship that can be located by a “Search and Rescue Transponder”.
Why wait until you are in danger before you take action when you can take the fight to what could put you in danger? Shipping firms are answering that question when seriousness and are putting combative measures to imminent security or safety threats. The aspect of safety is very important to human beings including those in the shipping or marine sector. This is why most people will put considerable efforts into getting the best of safety. Especially in a sector like the marine sector that is filled with risk yet is the commercial nerve of most of the individuals doing business.
