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New shipboard security modules make ships safer
By Katie Dunnigan
Phil Embry and Ron Cole, Naval Sea Systems Command engineers, study the
fiber optic ring that integrates components of the SSM system — an intrusion
detection system, closed-circuit video surveillance cameras, hull perimeter
lighting and an audible warning system.
Military Sealift Command ships will soon be safer, thanks to new shipboard
security module systems, or SSMs, slated for installation starting in
September 2004.
MSC's government-owned and long-term chartered ships will have
anti-terrorism force protection systems specifically engineered to detect
and alarm the crew of any unauthorized boarding attempt.
Designed to extend the eyes, ears and warning projection of a watch stander,
SSMs allow a single crew member to monitor many places throughout a ship —
weather deck doors and hatches, sensitive interior spaces, self-defense
magazines and cargo holds — simultaneously.
"The SSM system is essentially a force multiplier for MSC ships, which are
minimally staffed. The system ensures the security of MSC ships, warns of
potential threats and helps the mariner to keep the ship and her contents
secure," said Ron Tucker, Force Protection assistant and SSM program
manager.
Unlike Sailor-crewed U.S. Navy combatant ships, MSC ships are non-combatant
and crewed by civilian mariners. MSC ships require smaller crews than U.S.
Navy ships. An aircraft carrier, for example, has a crew of more than 5,000.
A large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship carrying more than 300,000
square feet of cargo — equivalent to nearly six football fields — can be
skillfully crewed by 30 commercial mariners.
"Other U.S. Navy ships, a destroyer for example, are concerned with
potential threats in the distance. A MSC ship, on the other hand, is only
concerned with self-defense," said Tucker. "This system is designed to
monitor the ‘skin of the ship' and deflect intentional threats to the ship,
her crew or cargo."
Each SSM has four specific components — an intrusion detection system,
closed-circuit video surveillance cameras, hull perimeter lighting and an
audible warning system.
A diagram of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort is
displayed by the shipboard security module system’s alarm monitoring
activation system which allows watch standers to monitor an entire ship via
one of four consoles stationed on board.
The intrusion detection system works much like a home burglar alarm system
ashore, alerting the crew of unauthorized breaches of the lifelines of the
ship. It monitors points of entry, such as the weather deck, and sensitive
interior spaces, like the purser's office, armories and communications
center.
Video surveillance cameras monitor key locations and entry points throughout
the ship. The video data stream is transmitted in real-time and is also
recorded so it can be reviewed at a later date.
The hull perimeter lighting system illuminates the weather deck and
waterline up to 30 feet from the hull once activated by the watch stander.
The lighting allows crew members to spot objects able to evade radar
detection, such as a small boat, a Jet Ski or even a single person in the
water.
The audible warning system has digitally stored messages that can be used to
warn approaching vessels not to penetrate the 200-yard protection zone
around MSC ships. The warning can be played instantly in one of 26 languages
and can be heard more than 500 yards away. The system can also be used as a
loud hailer or to play audio selections such as the National Anthem.
"The SSM system's key defensive mission is to first help a watch stander
identify the motives of an approaching vessel. If the vessel does not
respond to broadcast warning messages, the MSC ship can treat the
approaching vessel as having a hostile intent and protect herself by taking
evasive or defensive action," said Tucker. "Even if an intruder is able to
somehow board the ship undiscovered, the alarm system will still alert the
crew. And the video surveillance system records all activity within sight."
All four SSM components are integrated using fiber optics into an alarm
monitoring activation station, or AMAS — a user-friendly, touch screen
monitoring device. Each ship will have a main system rack and four AMAS
stations: one permanently stationed on the bridge, one permanently located
in the master's stateroom and three portable devices that connect to the
system through wall sockets placed throughout the ship, such as on the
quarterdeck and the stern ramp.
"Force protection is a top priority at MSC. The new shipboard security
module is just one of the many measures we take to provide protection for
our ships," said Keith Bauer, MSC's director of force protection. "It is
vital for us to protect our valuable Department of Defense cargo and ensure
the safety of our mariners."
MSC expects to install the first SSM in September 2004. All current MSC
ships will be scheduled for SSM installation over the next five years.
Military Sealift Command, ATTN: Public Affairs, 914 Charles Morris Ct. SE,
Washington Navy Yard, DC, 20398-5540
General Information: 1-888-SEALIFT • Marine Employment Opportunities:
1-877-JOBS-MSC • Email: webmaster@msc.navy.mil |
