What is FRC?
FRCs are usually employed by Coast Guards and Naval Vessels and it is abbreviated as Fast Response Craft.
What is LARS?
LARS is a system for quick, safe launch & recovery of FRCs. LARS is abbreviated as Launch and Recovery System. Such system is usually used when FRCs are longer than 10 meters weighing over eight tons.
It is always a challenge to use the LARS system effectively in conjunction with FRCs, especially when the sea is rough and wave heights are more. Thus accurate measurement of wave heights become at most important during the launch and recovery. Thus the Dutch company – TBV Marine Systems, part of High-tech-Solutions & Design B.V., specialized in custom-made technical solutions for the maritime industry, has recently developed an innovative Wave Measurement System (WMS) 3000-HS.
This WMS 3000-HS measurement system is specially developed to be used supporting a Fast Response Craft (FRC) Launch and Recovery System (LARS). With the innovative LARS system, these procedures can be executed with the bigger FRCs in a sea state up to SS4, which is comparable to a five Beaufort wind speed and waves up to 2.25 meters.
The WMS 3000-HS is positioned on the outer stern door and is mounted on a special movable measurement bracket which can be operated by the control panel of the LARS. The monitor provides information on the height of the waves, and the heading and speed of the mother vessel. The indication lights are used to inform the FRC crew with the moment at which it is safe to enter the FRC and when the launching or recovering procedure can set into action.
Furthermore, due to the easy and convenient handling of the measurement system, and the clear monitoring and indication features of the system, launching and recovering procedures can be executed safely, even in the most hectic situations.
One other system which was recently used is Krohne Optiwave 7300.
Highlights:
- The Optiwave 7300 is positioned on the outer stern door and is mounted on a special movable measurement bracket.
- The measurement bracket can be operated from the control panel of the LARS.
- For additional safety, the system uses a combination of monitors and indication lights.
- The monitor provides information on the height of the waves, and the heading and speed of the mother vessel.
- The indication lights are used to inform the FRC crew with the moment at which it is safe to enter the FRC and when the launching or recovering procedure can set into action.
Source: TBV
