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Hernis develops CCTV intelligence

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Caption: Closed circuit cameras around the ship, linked with a computer console system

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Norwegian maritime security equipment manufacturer Hernis has developed a computer system which can analyse data from closed circuit television cameras on the ship. 

Closed circuit television installations look very good for when the security inspectors come onboard, because it looks like you have somebody watching all aspects of the ship at all times.

But as all ship operations people know, CCTV cameras are only any use if you can afford to employ someone to look at the television pictures all the time, which you invariably cannot. So how about analysing the pictures by computer?

"You can have automatic motion detection [sound an alarm when there are moving objects]," says Hernis marketing director Tom Canterro

"You can have a system which automatically switches on lights if it detects any movement, sets off firehoses, or activates a recorded warning voice," he says. "Its telling you someone has seen you and someone's at home." 

If there is an alarm, then a human being can look at the television picture, controlling the camera remotely, and see if there is anything happening. 

One useful application for CCTV on ships is to see blind spots; around the ship which cannot be monitored easily from the bridge (for example because of the funnel). 

Hernis has developed a computer tool enabling the user to see all the camera pictures on a computer display. Using the computer, the user can zoom, turn and tilt the cameras, or make the picture larger on the screen.

The company has been supplying CCTV systems for marine oil and gas installations for around 20 years, including LNG plants and refineries. It also works with navies in the UK, US, Australia, South Africa and Norway. 

There is a wide range of different equipment, including intrinsically safe cameras for use in hazardous environments (the camera does not have any electrical charge large enough to start a fire) and cheaper mini-cameras.