Technology

SIMS (Systems and Information Management System)

One of the technological advances of the past few years that helps make the Tamar stand out from all the rest is the SIMS system. Developed jointly by the RNLI, DML and Servowatch Ltd, SIMS allows several complicated systems (such as navigation and engine management) to be integrated and displayed on one screen. Such screens can be placed around the boat in places where they are needed most like the mechanic's chair, flying bridge and helmsman's position.

The SIMS system has been designed to make the lifeboat crew's jobs easier. SIMS allows the removal of non-essential functions from the respective systems and display on screen the information that the crew need most for both training and operations. Each screen allows the user to view information from all the integrated systems such as navigation and radar. This means that the crew can now stay safely in their seats, removing the possibility of injury that could result from moving about the cabin in heavy seas.

In fact, SIMS has been designed with rough weather in mind. It also has 5 potential power sources, a solid state computer memory which replaces hard drives, a shock mounted rack, waterproof computer boxes, screens and trackballs. The SIMS rack consists of six computers (each capable of running the system by itself) as well as all the other processors required to monitor and run the boat's systems.

The screenshot to the left shows one of the typical displays. This particular screen shows the helm information including engine revs, boat speed, water depth, lat & long, trim tab angle along with CCTv and the menus to acces all the other information.

SIMS can display an amazing amount of information - apart from the above, other information it can provide includes: radar, chart plotter, VHF and MF radios, intercom, VHF direction finder, autopilot, bilge system, sea water systems, hydraulics, fuel, fire detection and information about open/closed hatches.