On a ship there are many parameters that needs to be controlled or monitored like temperature, pressure, level, viscosity, flow control, position of the vessel, speed, torque control, voltage, current, machinery status (on / off), equipment status (open/ closed) and so on.

As the market has been driving ship owners to become more efficient with reduced staff on board, it called for an automatic control and monitoring system for the ship that enabled unattended operation of machinery spaces. Vessels capable of safe operation at any period of time qualify as UMS (Unattended Machinery Space) ships.

A modern automation and control system is a fully integrated system that covers many aspects of a ship’s operation, which includes the propulsion plant operation, power management operation on the auxiliary engines, auxiliary machinery operation, cargo on-and-off-loading operation, navigation and administration of maintenance and purchasing of spares, to name a few.

With over 40 years of first-hand experience by each of us in this mammoth industry, we have seen control elements, control and communication systems evolve from designs of the post 2nd World War era to the most sophisticated components and networks available today. It has indeed been a wonderful journey through time! These experiences and the lessons taught to us by our seniors and teachers, have been our guiding light; they have also prompted us to share our acquired knowledge with our counterparts and students in the international maritime industry so much so we have found more joy in sharing than acquiring!