[SHIPPING] 'Key Views from Relevant Agencies
Key views from relevant agencies - The United Kingdom's Maritime
Safety Agency
The United Kingdom's Marine Safety Agency (MSA) - from 1st April 1998 to be known as The Maritime and Coastguard
Agency - which had in 1997 alerted the International Maritime Safety Committee to the Year 2000 problem in computer software,
has continued its investigations and has now focused its attention on the problem of embedded date microprocessing chips.
As of 23 February 1998 the MSA had circulated and obtained comments on its DRAFT Marine Guidance Note entitled Marine
Electronic Systems and the Year 2000 Problem.
...
Embedded Systems
5. Embedded systems are software driven components integrated into devices used to control, monitor or assist the operation
of machinery or equipment. In many cases their presence is not apparent without detailed examination. At the other extreme a
general purpose computer may be the heart of a sophisticated automation system and its presence will be obvious.
6. The simplest devices consist of a single integrated circuit which processes an input from a detector or sensor and which
operates a switch or activates other systems. Such devices, containing individual microprocessors, may be found in small
components such as temperature sensors, smoke and gas detectors, circuit breakers etc. It is highly unlikely, but nevertheless
possible, that they will be affected by the Year 2000 problem.
7. Embedded systems may contain assemblies of microprocessors which often utilise a timing function. Devices such as
switchgear, lifts, data acquisition and monitoring systems and real time machinery control systems may include such
assemblies. In these, the Year 2000 problem may affect the application software, the database and the networks and data
transmission systems they use to communicate with the larger system.
8. Automation systems are used for overall control and monitoring, rather than for direct control of individual items of
machinery or equipment. These systems normally incorporate a date function and if not designed to process dates after
01/01/2000 (i.e. are not 'Year 2000 compliant'), they will be adversely affected.
...
18. Identify Safety Critical Systems - Operators are advised to identify those systems which may have an effect on standards of
safety or pollution prevention. A suggested list is given, however operators should not rely on this being exhaustive:
Propulsion - engine controls, variable pitch propellers, engine auxiliaries.
Electric Power - generator controls, switchgear, generator auxiliaries.
Steering - controls, hydraulics.
Stabilisation - controls, hydraulics.
Boilers.
Navigation equipment.
Radio equipment.
Stability computers.
Manoeuvring simulation.
Automated discharging and loading of cargo.
Passenger lifts.
...
tm-online.com
|
