The Design of Offshore Speech Communications Systems

Abstract

Abstract The effectiveness of any communications system is limited by the attainable signal-to-noise ratio. Electronic noise in the portable radio, intercom, telephone and public address (P.A.) systems installed offshore is today insignificant; the major constraint is now the acoustic signal-to-noise ratio. The detailed design of P.A. systems for use in high noise levels is normally undertaken by electro-acoustic specialists. Many important design decisions are taken by non-specialists, however, particularly at the early stage of new projects. These decisions will ultimately determine the effectiveness of speech communication offshore. This paper contains guidelines for nonspecialist engineers involved in the design of offshore speech communication systems. The main points discussed are project management, the interfacing between systems, noise control, power supply allowances, telephone system design and the use of visual aids. Simple improvements which can be made to existing designs are explained, and finally some possible future developments are presented.