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ADCON - Automated Damage Control System

Damage Control

Shipboard Damage Control (DC) is critical for preserving the integrity, stability and manoeuvrability of maritime vessels. The main goal of damage control technology is to keep the ship floating, moving and fulfilling its mission. To achieve these goals, damage must be quickly confined and repaired.

By constantly monitoring the ship’s status and promptly coordinating countermeasures, there is significantly less risk of spreading fire, smoke, water and toxic agents. In addition, structural damage and power interruptions are quickly repaired. Consequently, there are fewer personnel casualties, reduced equipment damage, and decreased environmental harm.

To accomplish this monitoring and coordinate function effectively, a fast, proven and easy-to-use system is essential to help ship personnel cope with situations that could lead to disaster.

It is for this reason that Canada’s Department of National Defence commissioned Array to produce an Advanced Damage Control Console (ADACC) – Advanced Development Model (ADM) to test the feasibility of developing a ship-wide network of ADACCs. The success of the ADACC model and Array’s leading edge software was the driving force behind developing the Automated Damage Control (ADCON) system.

Basic Damage Control Display Windows: Fire in Progress

The ADCON System

Array developed the ADCON system based on the ADACC concept. The ADCON system is used by operators on fixed or portable consoles at different locations throughout the ship. Data entered at any damage control console is shared with the other consoles via a network.

Each ADCON operator has the capability to monitor sensors and enter damage control information received from verbal reports. All operators can maintain an accurate, up-to-date picture of the total shipboard damage situation. Only one operator can control the ship’s actuators (e.g., valves, pumps, vents, fans, Halon and AFFF, sprinklers, etc.), although this responsibility can be dynamically transferred.

System Overview

The ADCON system consists of the following major components:

• portable or desktop Personal Computers (PCs)
• a network, which connects the consoles to each other and to the ship’s sensors and actuators
• an optional Instructor’s Console combined with a Simulation Computer (IC/SC)

Each ADCON console receives input from operators, sensors, and information entered at other ADCON consoles on the network. The output is then displayed on the monitor.

As an option, the IC/SC simulates the ship’s sensors and actuators to permit training. It provides operators with lessons on plan (scenario) creation and execution functions, as well as the ability to replay sessions or view session logs generated by lesson plan executions.

Advantages for Commercial Maritime Shipping

The ADCON system provides the following advantages:

• Ferries, tankers and bulk carriers can all benefit from automated damage detection.
• Network allows plug-in to world-wide communication of damage situation.
• Compartment level information can store changing hold information of importance in emergencies.
• Damage Control PCs could also be used for training and standard computer/entertainment applications.
• Adjustable sensor parameters can allow systems to be changed to reflect specific ship capabilities and equipment fit/location.
• Reports can form basis for incident record keeping for training and legal purposes.