The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) maintains continuous communication with the crew through a portable radio while serving as the top authority on offshore oil rigs. The crew depends on the Offshore Installation Manager's expertise and experience to guide critical operational choices. During emergencies when every second counts two-way radios deliver the swiftest communication method.
Key personnel other than the OIM also depend on two-way radios for communication. The individual who manages explosive operations requires a two-way radio to ensure safety and efficiency. The Operations Team Leader (OTL) uses a two-way radio to establish communication with logistics personnel including helicopter pilots for offshore platforms and crane operators to effectively coordinate cargo and personnel loading and unloading operations. The Operations Team Leader needs to monitor all crew members and maintain continuous radio communication with the OIM.
Two-way radios used in oil rigs and oil fields need to be tougher than normal models due to their harsh surroundings. The radios should be able to endure water exposure from rainfall as well as salty air from the ocean. For dependable communication it is essential to select radios that can be submerged in water or that adhere to military specifications.
Military Specification Standards
The U.S. Department of Defense developed military standards known as MIL-STD or MIL-SPEC to standardize products used by the military and government organizations. These defense standards mandate products fulfill key requirements for commonality and reliability while ensuring compatibility and meeting additional defense objectives.The Department of Defense developed MIL-SPEC requirements for two-way radios which cover elements including vibration and weather conditions such as rain and salt air along with sand/dust exposure, shock from drops, humidity and temperature factors. Buying a radio that adheres to MIL-SPEC standards ensures you receive a superior product designed for rigorous conditions.
Radios may show an "IP" designation which represents Ingress Protection against environmental elements. This international standard defines how effectively a product enclosure prevents penetration from outside elements. The two-digit IP code measures the protection level offered by an enclosure against finger entry, dust intrusion, and moisture penetration.
An IP55 rating ensures that a radio can resist dust interference with its function while also protecting against water jets from nozzles. Radios with an IP57 rating can withstand submersion in water at a depth of 3 feet for 30 minutes with no damage to their functionality.
Radio systems with IP protection and MIL-SPEC certification perform effectively in oil rig and oil field operations.
Two-way radios typically feature audio accessory jacks which support headsets and speaker microphones that prove vital in the loud settings found on oil rigs and oil fields. Headsets with VOX functionality enable operators to communicate without holding a device.
The market offers multiple audio accessories for two-way radios tailored to your specific requirements. A speaker microphone with an ear clip attachment lets you keep your belt radio on while talking hands-free in noisy surroundings. The setup police officers commonly use becomes inconvenient on oil rigs unless the cord goes inside your clothing.
You can obtain a security-style earpiece similar to Secret Service gear which includes a pendant push-to-talk switch and inbuilt microphone for discreet communication. You wear the earpiece in your ear while the microphone and switch is attached to your clothing near your mouth so you can use the switch to initiate speaking.
Choose a headset that features an earbud design like iPod and iPhone models when you want to avoid a curly cord leading to the earpiece because this headset comes with a pendant push-to-talk switch and integrated microphone.
A lightweight headset that rests behind the head with a boom microphone and pendant push-to-talk switch serves as an additional choice. Telephone call center operators often use this headset style because it provides comfort during extended periods of use which makes it perfect for loud environments.
Stationary Two-Way Radios
In some situations, handheld two-way radios fail to meet communication requirements. These situations require the use of either a tabletop or wall-mounted radio. Situations arise when a wireless call box or base station intercom that works with handheld two-way radios becomes vital.A base station intercom operates similarly to a two-way radio but remains fixed in position by sitting on a desk or mounting on a wall. The device performs the same tasks as a handheld radio but lacks mobility. The fixed nature of base station intercoms helps situations where users cannot hold radios or when radio devices often disappear, as well as scenarios where the user stays at one location. Individuals can easily position base stations at required locations.
A wireless call box is similar to a base station intercom but is exclusively wall-mounted and typically more durable, being vandal- and weatherproof. Made of metal or fiberglass, the call box contains electronic circuitry that allows someone to press a button and call for assistance from another two-way radio, base station intercom, or another call box.
The range of these units is several miles, extendable by adding an external antenna. Some units can use radio repeaters to further extend the range.
If you already have two-way business radios, you'll want a system that integrates with them. Some call boxes can be programmed to be compatible with virtually any brand of VHF or UHF business band radio.
Power availability can be a challenge when placing a call box. In such cases, choose a system that operates on either battery or AC power. Some units offer optional solar power, allowing them to run for several days on a single day of sunshine.
For remote control of door locks or lights from your portable two-way radio or desktop base station intercom, select a unit with a built-in remote control relay. This feature enables you to unlock gates or doors remotely when someone calls. Some units also allow you to activate a strobe light at the call box location to draw attention.
A useful feature of call boxes is the ability to store a voice message that plays when someone presses the button. This message can provide specific instructions to the caller. Additionally, call boxes can send a second, different voice message alert to the monitoring central location or portable radios, indicating the call box location or an emergency message.
If you need to identify which call box is calling, choose a unit that transmits a unique numeric identifier to a radio capable of decoding it, similar to telephone Caller ID.
By adding a motion detector or another detection device, you can receive alerts when the sensor is activated. Some call boxes send either a tone alert or a custom voice alert when the detection sensor status changes. If the voice message isn't immediately answered, the alert message is resent multiple times.
These call boxes also feature a monitor function, allowing you to listen to the surroundings of the call box.
For assistance in choosing an oil rig two-way radio, visit www.IntercomsOnline.com for more information.
Related Products
Copyright IntercomsOnline.com. All Rights Reserved.
