IMarEST Launches MECSS 2013 Conference

As marine systems become more complex, operators now have to put their faith in the reliability of software systems to achieve their goals and remain, safe at sea at all times. The Marine Electrical and Control Systems Safety Conference (MECSS 2013), launched by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and for which the conference programme is now available, is designed to enable industry and regulators to discuss and debate the challenges, present solutions and share best practice.

“The range of functions that software has to carry out means that there are dangers of it not performing as expected because of incomplete verification or incorrect requirements,” explains conference chairman Kevin Daffey, Head of Electrical Power and Control Systems, Rolls-Royce plc.

“MECSS 2013 is the first controls and electrical safety conference of its type, and aims to bring together system and equipment suppliers with class societies and operators to discuss and debate just how we can make the marine industry safer, and more reliable using software and electrical technology. We are eager for speakers and delegates to explore the challenges effectively and fully. Our inaugural MECSS will undoubtedly provide an extremely useful forum for some vital discussions to take place.”

The Call for Papers, which highlighted fives specific conference themes produced submissions across the board.

“The conference programme is now shaping up to include some fascinating papers that will offer all our main themes of safe management of software and electrical systems; safe systems design; training/operations and new technology,” says Kevin Daffey. “We will combine a blend of presenters from system and equipment suppliers, class societies, navies, consultants and academics from Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands and UK who will offer a variety of perspectives in our journey to create a safer marine world using electronic control and software systems.”

The MECSS Programme

Following a warm welcome by Kevin Daffey, Phil White, Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd will chair the session on Electrical, Control and Software Safety Management with its five presentations before the networking lunch. After lunch Emma Harrison, GSE Systems Ltd will be in the chair for System Design Supporting Safe Systems, which similarly features five presentations, after which an evening networking reception will be held at the magnificent National Maritime Museum.

Training and Awareness is the focus of attention on the second morning, and will be chaired by Mark Royston-Tonks RFA, Ministry of Defence; with Shaun White, BP Shipping Limited chairing the afternoon session on Technology; before Kevin Daffey provides delegates with a closing summary.

An industrial visit is arranged for Friday 4 October to the Center for Simulator Maritime Training (CSMART).

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Press Release, April 29, 2013