Offshore Crew Tracking Network for Real-Time Muster Accounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking personnel and equipment on offshore drilling vessels are inefficient during emergencies, as they require manual roll calls and take time to account for missing crew members, especially in large vessels with multiple muster stations.
Innovation Solution
A network system using wireless transmitters and receivers, combined with optical devices, to monitor and track personnel and equipment in real-time, allowing for immediate identification and location of crew members and equipment, and enforcing policies related to equipment operation and personnel safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual roll call methods are used to account for personnel at muster stations, then the system is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the time required to account for all personnel increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (overseers physically counting personnel, using radio communications) with an automated electronic tracking system. Wireless transmitters worn by crew members continuously communicate with receivers at muster stations, automatically generating attendance records without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system operates autonomously without requiring human operators at muster stations. The wireless transmitters self-report their location and status, and the system automatically compares detected personnel against the manifest to identify missing crew members, eliminating the need for manual roll calls.
2Productivity
If automated wireless tracking systems are deployed throughout the vessel, then personnel accounting speed improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless tracking system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks personnel location, automatically generates muster station attendance records, identifies missing crew members, and provides real-time monitoring during emergencies. This multi-functionality justifies the system complexity by delivering comprehensive safety management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless transmitters as intermediary devices that bridge between crew members and the central tracking system. These transmitters continuously broadcast location data, which receivers capture and process, enabling automatic personnel accounting without direct human intervention at muster stations.
3Ease of operation
If multiple muster stations are established on large vessels, then personnel can be accounted for more efficiently during emergencies, but the difficulty of tracking missing crew members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is divided into multiple muster stations, each equipped with wireless receivers that detect transmitters in their specific zone. The system segments the tracking function by location, with each muster station independently monitoring its designated area while the central system aggregates data from all stations to provide comprehensive personnel accounting.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate accounting of personnel during emergencies, improving safety and operational efficiency by automating the tracking process and enforcing safety policies related to equipment operation.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless transmitters configured to transmit a wireless signal associated in the database with one of the crew members
Data Source
AI summary
A system and computer-implemented method is used for tracking crew members on an offshore unit. A static map is created in software and interfaces with a network of receiver nodes physically installed at a predetermined set of measurements to provide coverage to designated areas to locate and identify crew members, who have or wear Bluetooth beacons. During operations, crew members are located and identified in real-time through the network of receiver nodes installed over prespecified coordinates. Cameras and visual recognition processing can operate in the designated areas. The designated areas can include muster stations for crew members to gather in an emergency or can include designated areas in which personnel are restricted while equipment is operating or moving.