On the subject of log books:
I needed the schematic for a rudder angle indicator so dropped by the factory in Richmond.
While there I learned that this particular model can provide an RS 232 output to a "black box"
recorder.
The subject of black box recorders has been discussed in commercial circles for quite some
time. There is already a requirement for a rudder angle recorder to be used on commercial
ships. There have also been instances of the paper record having been "deleted", gone
missing, or defaced after an incident involving collision or a grounding.
With the new requirement of AIS - Automatic Identification systems - becoming law in several
places including the St. Lawrence Seaway there will be renewed interest in some sort of digital
record keeper which is tamper proof.
Everyone always point back to the airline industry's use of flight recorders as the desired goal.
However, the cost of doing so it that way is very steep. The mechanics of recording is simple.
The method of certifying the authenticity of that stored data is the problem.
No sooner an encryption method is found, than someone finds a way to crack the code and
alter the data. < smile>
This is why the old bound book is still considered the best legal instrument for record keeping.
It is very hard to find a way to alter a hand written record on bound paper without leaving a trace.
Cheers
Arild
On the subject of log books:
I needed the schematic for a rudder angle indicator so dropped by the factory in Richmond.
While there I learned that this particular model can provide an RS 232 output to a "black box"
recorder.
The subject of black box recorders has been discussed in commercial circles for quite some
time. There is already a requirement for a rudder angle recorder to be used on commercial
ships. There have also been instances of the paper record having been "deleted", gone
missing, or defaced after an incident involving collision or a grounding.
With the new requirement of AIS - Automatic Identification systems - becoming law in several
places including the St. Lawrence Seaway there will be renewed interest in some sort of digital
record keeper which is tamper proof.
Everyone always point back to the airline industry's use of flight recorders as the desired goal.
However, the cost of doing so it that way is very steep. The mechanics of recording is simple.
The method of certifying the authenticity of that stored data is the problem.
No sooner an encryption method is found, than someone finds a way to crack the code and
alter the data. < smile>
This is why the old bound book is still considered the best legal instrument for record keeping.
It is very hard to find a way to alter a hand written record on bound paper without leaving a trace.
Cheers
Arild
