Radar Systems
Technical
Radar - New Internat...
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Radar Systems New International Performance Standard for VTS Terma has a long tradition of supplying high performance radars for VTS - Vessel Traffic Services - worldwide. The company is an industrial member of IALA, the International Association of Lighthouse authorities, and participates in its VTS committee work. New Performance Standards During an IALA Symposium in Singapore, VTS 2000, it was decided to develop performance standards for VTS equipment. The assignment was handed over to the VTS Committee. Industrial members and National representatives provided comprehensive expertise on the matter. Jens Christian Pedersen from Terma was asked to be the Editor.  So far, the work has resulted in the IALA recommendation V-128 with an annex covering radar services that was approved by the IALA Council in May 2004. The intention is that the recommen-dation will cover all aspects of VTS. Annexes for remaining services are in preparation. V-128 is structured as a comprehensive performance guideline, rather than an equipment standard. It is targeted at competent authorities, specifying generic performance requirements and factors to be taken into account as to the environment, local conditions, etc. The obligation of IALA is safety and safety is the focus of the V-128 recommendation. However, security in ports and waterways is of increasing concern and is referenced in the recommendation. The performance recommendation for radar service is divided into three levels:
 Jens Christian Pedersen states about his commitment in the IALA VTS Committee: "It is extremely interesting being a committee member and an active contributor to an organization like the IALA. The work is a tremendous challenge. In the committee, all aspects of the VTS trade are represented; operators, authorities, and the industrial members - all gather in the same forum. The professional level is high, and the organization is an extremely valuable forum for knowledge exchange. At every VTS committee meeting about 50 representatives are present, making the IALA the perfect opportunity to meet competent persons within the VTS community." Committe meetings and symposiums The IALA committees meet regularly, normally twice each year, and the IALA Conference / Symposiums are held every two years. |
