Kevin Daffey
WEBSITE AND PROGRAMME LAUNCHED FOR MARINE ELECTRICAL AND CONTROL SYSTEMS SAFETY CONFERENCE (MECSS)
How safety is instilled throughout the interaction between people, processes, commercial standard equipment and plant – all of which are becoming ever more sophisticated – lies at the heart of the second biennial Marine Electrical and Control Systems Safety Conference (MECSS) being held on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November in Bristol, UK.
The conference programme with over 20 speakers from Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, UK and the USA, and a keynote address to be given by Moritz Krijgsman of HyPS Hybrid Power Systems has been launched, and is online atwww.mecss.org.uk.
The IMarEST conference features sessions on Prominent Hazards; Emerging Technology; Whole System Verification, Integration and Regulation; and Operation, Maintenance and Training/Human Factors. Like all IMarEST Learned Society events MECSS 2015 is CPD approved by the Institute.
“At the heart of MECSS is the industry’s fundamental responsibility – how we make people at sea safer, ” explains Kevin Daffey, MECSS 2015 Conference Chairman and Global Head of Electrical Power and Control Systems, Rolls-Royce plc, who will welcome delegates at the start of the first day, and give the closing summary at the end of the event. “There are, of course, the technical innovations for all sectors of the industry, but it is the human/system aspects of the technologies which must continue to be ever-present in our discussions and actions.
“The change in thought process and expectations of the new generation of engineers and technologists will have a profound impact not only on operators, but also maintainers and importantly designers – should we all attempt to evolve into ‘digital natives’? Qualifications and experience can be accelerated through the clever use of virtual reality training – will a passion for gaming be essential for future training?” he asks.
“The procurement framework of our marine industry is perceived as fragmented, and cost appearing to override through-life safe operations – can safety and reliability ever override cost in the decision making process? Does the designer lack practical application experience – would a gathering of typical end-users sitting around a table with a nice cup of tea provide essential feedback on critical operational dilemmas?
“I look forward to seeing you in November, hearing from you, and collectively making a difference to our industry.”
Prominent role for Lloyd’s Register
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is the Principal Sponsor of MECSS 2015. Bernard Twomey, LR’s Global Head of Electrotechnical Systems and a Member of the Technical Advisory Committee behind MECSS 2015, will be speaking on ‘De-risking future marine electrical systems through holistic simulation and exploitation of expert knowledge’ and ‘Rotating HV machine failures’. He will also be chairing the ‘Emerging Technology’ session at the conference.
“I am keen to encourage the technical debate, and delighted that LR is so actively involved. As the world’s oldest classification society, we have been helping ensure safety of life and property and the environment for over 250 years. But we are also dedicated to supporting the development of new technologies and innovations that will play a vital role in the immediate and long-term future of shipping – aims that lie at the heart of MECSS.”
Networking is key
All IMarEST events ensure there is plenty of time set aside for networking, and MECSS 2015 is no exception. Coffee, lunch and tea breaks allow time for this vital component of a successful event, as well as visiting the associated exhibition. Aptly the MECSS Reception will be held on The Promenade Deck of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s 1843 Bristol-built ss Great Britain.
The ss Great Britain was built to serve the growing transatlantic passenger trade between England and the United States. She was unique at the time in terms of the construction and size and was the first propeller driven, ocean going, iron wrought ship in the world, also coming in at 100 feet longer than any of her rivals. At the time many sceptics believed that a metal ship on such a scale would not be able to float, however, they were proved wrong and the ss Great Britain made her maiden voyage to New York in 1845, taking just 14 days to complete the journey.
Further information
Further information on all aspects of the November event including the full programme, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, and registration is at www.mecss.org.uk and available from mecss@figsevents.co.uk; or +44 (0)20 8304 2373/+44 (0)1525 876146.
What is IMarEST?
IMarEST is the international professional body and learned society for all marine professionals. With over 16, 000 members in 128 countries, the IMarEST is the first Institute to bring together marine engineers, marine scientists and marine technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body.
In addition to a wide range of services, including publishing The Marine Professional, the Institute organises learned society events for its members and the wider industry, these include: the Engine As A Weapon International Symposia (EAAW); Marine Electrical and Control Systems Safety Conference (MECSS) and the International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition (INEC); the learned society events are organised by FIGS Events Limited on behalf of IMarEST.
The experts behind MECSS
The Technical Advisory Committee comprises a group of experts from industry, academia and the military with the aim of developing and steering the technical programme for the event.
Chairman: Kevin Daffey, Rolls-Royce
• Dr Campbell Booth, University of Strathclyde
• Paul Eaton, GE Marine
• Andrew Edmondson, BAE Systems Submarines
• Duncan Gould, Disney Cruise Line
• Pim Janse, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding
• Milton Korn, American Bureau of Shipping
• Jamie McCarthy, Rolls-Royce Marine Electrical Systems
• Kees Posthumus, Defence Materiel Organisation, the Netherlands
• Jeremy Richardson, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited
• Peter Rogers, L-3 SAM Electronics
• 1/O (SE) Mark Royston-Tonks RFA, Ministry of Defence, UK
• Mel Scott, QinetiQ
• Bernard Twomey, Lloyd’s Register GTC
• Richard Vie FREng
• Phil White, Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd
• Shaun White, BP Shipping Limited
