Fernando Morgado, technical inspector on the Spanish fishing vessel M/V Nuevo Virgen De La Barca has been using the SEVSAT and TVRO system for six months and says that having it onboard “really elevates the spirit”.
SEVSAT is a maritime VSAT solution from Ship Equip and its key component is the stabilised antenna.
“It is fantastic for the crew to be able to watch Spanish television far away from home and it improves morale and elevates the spirit which is good for the company” says Mr Morgado.
The system also allows the crew to make low cost telephone calls and transmit emails with large attachments.
“One of the things we have introduced is a daily report outlining the catch in detail, making it possible for the shipowner to start selling it immediately,” Mr Morgado adds. “The report also covers all supply and technical aspects which the vessel needs. The shipowner can then check and assist in resolving problems on board and plan the supplies allowing a shortest possible harbour stop”.
When problems arise on board Mr Morgado gets pictures emailed of the situation so that he can advise a solution: a burnt circuit card, a defect part on an engine or an error message on a display - in each case it is much easier to assess the situation with a picture.
TVRO stands for TeleVision Receive Only and consists of a stabilised antenna above deck and an electronic rack with signal receivers below deck. The system can be purchased separately or as one unit below deck with separate antennas for TVRO and SEVSAT.
