Evaluation of Innovative Vessel Inspection Techniques. Phase 1. Hand Held and Basic Technology.
Abstract
This report provides the results of the first phase of the testing effort to evaluate marine inspection equipment and techniques for use by Coast Guard marine inspectors. A previous report identified many potentially useful techniques that could enhance inspections both by providing better information and by speeding up inspections. The current study evaluated some of the equipment required, primarily lighting equipment, in greater depth. More advanced techniques, including some under development and not commercially available, are intended to be reported on in a future report. The technology categories covered include: head-mounted lights, hand-held lights, deck-based lights, telescopic aids, night vision systems, and hand-held video cameras. Polarized filter contrast enhancement, deck-based video cameras, and remotely operated video cameras were also considered but were not evaluated in the field. Candidate equipment were identified based on manufacturers literature for each of the categories above. These were ranked based on criteria selected by the contractor as important in the inspection process. The Coast Guard chose equipment based on this ranking and purchased samples for field testing. Equipment was tested at five locations by marine inspectors under actual local inspection conditions. Their observations and comments are summarized in this report. Also, a select group of lights were evaluated in the light tunnel at the Coast Guard Research and Development Center to determine actual intensity versus time characteristics and the service life of batteries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA290576
Entities
People
- Edward F. Mcclave
- Michael J. Goodwin