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| Steam Ship installed CCTV system monitored by RVR to protect against the threat of fire and vandalism |
The system, installed by Bristol-based Cannon Security, comprises a series of passive infrared (PIR) detectors, seven dome cameras and voice speaker warning system, with images that are recorded locally and transmitted ‘off site' to RVR's control centre in Gloucester.
The detectors pick up any activity on the shipyard (e.g. an attempt to climb on board out-of-hours) and generate an alarm. The cameras then transmit images of the incident to the remote video response centre, where skilled operators can ‘see' what is happening in real time and take appropriate action.
"This may mean contacting the key holder, or it may involve contacting the police, depending on the level of threat, and whether the alarm is genuine," says Norman Routledge of Cannon Security. "The cameras supply enough images to monitor the entire site and are also recorded on a digital video recorder for use at a later date."
Cannon chose RVR as its monitoring partner because of its previous track record. "We have worked successfully with RVR in the past," he says.
"The system gives us the eyes we need to safeguard the SS Great Britain for future generations to enjoy." |
The project presented Cannon Security with an unusual challenge as the ship is enclosed on three sides. "We needed a system that was unobtrusive and that in no way interfered with the ship's impressive lines," Norman explains. "Two miles of cabling were installed under the surface of the deck so as not to spoil the aesthetics and general character of the ship."
Colin Walters, general manager of RVR, says the quality of the installation gives him confidence: "The system gives us the eyes we need to safeguard the SS Great Britain for future generations to enjoy," he says.
The SS Great Britain was an advanced Atlantic liner designed by Brunel for the Great Western Steamship Company's Bristol-New York service. In 1970, the vessel was returned to the Bristol dry dock where she was first built. It now attracts between 150,000-170,000 visitors annually.
RVR is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp (NYSE:UTX)
