Background
For years, ESS has been providing quality Public Address/General Alarm Audio Solutions for vessels. In addition, ESS has been busy designing, implementing and installing Enterprise Digital Signage Video solutions for corporate and educational clients. Leveraging this experience, ESS has developed an integrated audio/video solution which addresses recent CFR changes regarding ADA compliance on Passenger Vessels.
Compliance
Vessel Alert provides Passenger Vessel Operators a solution for meeting the requirements of 49 CFR Part 39 – Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities: Passenger Vessels. This ruling (effective 11/2010) dictates that Passenger Vessel Operators ensure that persons with hearing and visual impairments have access to safety briefings, information, and drills (49 CFR 39.89).
Vessel Alert provides video images and messages to meet the needs of the hearing impaired (49 CFR 39.85 Subpart C). In addition Vessel Alert adds a visual component to the Emergency General Alarm system required in 46 CFR (Subchapters J, K, and T) and ABS Rules for Steel Vessels and Guide for Passenger Vessels.
Features
Vessel Alert is first and foremost a solution to ensure the safety of passengers. The standard solution features audio and video content which provides the following:
Passenger Safety
- General Alarm Notification
- Emergency vessel wayfinding highlighting exits
- Emergency Preparedness (lifevest instructions, etc)
Broadcast Content
In addition, Vessel Alert can be configured to provide advanced video features (like Broadcast Content) which may enhance passenger satisfaction:
- Live Satellite TV
- GPS Progress Tracking
- Weather and News Feeds
Return on Investment
Perhaps the greatest advanced feature is the capability to provide sponsored content. This feature provides revenue generating opportunities which may (over time) cover the complete cost of the system.
- Market customer reward programs
- Snack Shop Menu
- Sell 3rd party advertising
Integration with existing systems.
Vessel Alert was initially developed to interface with messaging systems designed by ESS. However, Vessel Alert is flexible enough to integrate with other existing PA/GA and messaging systems.
Multiple Vessel Installation
Vessel Alert may be installed on a single vessel or scaled to cover a whole fleet. The key to a multiple vessel installation is computer networking over a new or existing IP network. In this configuration a central server may be installed at the fleet headquarters and “player” computers may be installed on the individual vessels. The IP connection then allows for remote monitoring, updating advertising content, refreshing news feeds, changing policy information, etc.
Sample Content
Featured below is sample content which may be shown on a Vessel Alert System.
