Navigating Marine Grade Computers
Decision-making is time-critical when navigating a ship. Whether you are communicating onboard or onshore, the working environment can be challenging and the success of a shipment can depend on the crews’ ability to communicate and coordinate tasks effectively. Using marine-approved computers onboard a vessel can help marine engineers to monitor, communicate, and observe the marine environment effectively.
In this blog, we explore the certification requirements for marine grade computers, features to look for in a PC built to withstand harsh sea conditions and the benefits of using PCs from our partner Elgens that are designed for harsh maritime environments.
Certification Requirements
Marine equipment used for maritime navigation and radiocommunications must satisfy the IEC 60945 standard for safety and performance. Elgens marine grade panel PCs are designed, tested and manufactured in compliance with IEC 60945 regulations and have a high level of resistance to shock, vibration, and temperature extremes that may be encountered on board ships. Additionally, they are DNV compliant, which means they qualify for use in critical infrastructure and are considered a mark of quality.
With these certifications, maritime organisations have peace of mind that the technology used on board ships is designed and manufactured with the highest level of safety, functionality, and reliability.
Key Features
EMC Compatibility (EMC)
To comply with regulatory requirements, it is necessary to ensure the product is electromagnetically compatible in marine environments. This means functioning as intended in a shared operating environment without affecting other equipment’s performance.
Rugged Design
The tides and temperature of the ocean are not the only environmental factor to consider when designing marine technology. The salts and corrosive elements of the atmosphere can disrupt even the calmest of seas. Marine grade computers must have a rugged water-resistant design that can withstand the harshest of environments and provide reliability and top performance. Elgen’s marine grade panel PCs are built with durability in mind, with IP65-rated front panels that are sealed to prevent moisture, dust, and general dirt from entering the device, along with extended temperature ranges from as low as -30 ~ 70°C, making them ideal for use on ships and offshore platforms.
Durable Display
Poor visibility onboard a ship can delay even the simplest of tasks. Whether your team is navigating in the depths of the night or battling the harsh screen reflections caused by the midday sun, lighting adjustments must be made. Elgens’ marine grade panel PCs are designed with anti-Glare and anti-Reflection screens built to fit the environment, helping reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor or interrupted vision.
Advantages of PCs Designed for Harsh Environments
Panel PCs designed for marine environments are designed to operate continuously under harsh conditions. Due to their well-developed design, they provide a cost-effective solution for the marine industry, reducing downtime and the need for costly maintenance and repairs. Aside from their tried and tested design, Elgens’ marine grade panel PCs offer reliability, performance and ease of use.
To view our range of marine grade panel PCs, click here