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I-VMS Issues Rectification Proposal
To: ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk

Dear MMO,
Further to our meeting on Thursday 16th March, I am writing to confirm my proposal to rectify the issues you have found with our approved I-VMS Device.

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IP67 failure
We recognise that the speaker aperture is the weak spot in the design.
It uses a waterproof film patch on the inside the housing to seal the device whilst still allowing sound to resonate through the fabric.
In the IP67 specification some ingress of water is allowed, but the testing institution
considered our ingress in the test above acceptable limits.
We accept this decision.

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It was noted by GMV that there is also a microphone hole that may have contributed to the leakage, but this is no longer an open aperture, and is not a risk of failure.

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Initially we were using the speaker as a method of signalling operation status to the users, hence why the feature is in the housing.
However, now we are no longer using this method, instead relying upon the lights to rely operational information.

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With the film patch on the inside of the housing, the pressure of the water reduces the sealing strength of the patch.

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IP67 rectification
We will produce am adhesive waterproof vinyl patch that is added to the external surface of the housing, sealing the speaker aperture.
When submerged, the positive pressure of the surrounding water will act to increase the sealing effect of the patch over the openings.
In conjunction with the internal patch this will provide a double defence against water ingress and will be satisfactory to prevent a future test failure.

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These patches will be added to future installations, and delivered to clients and engineers to retrofitting to installed devices.
We have trialled the solution and it is a simple operation to attach them and required no special skills or tools.

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Blackout Performance
Initially we had assumed that it was GSM blackout that was the issue, but later in the meeting we realised GMV were referring to the status codes being transmitted by our device did not match the specification requirements.

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Blackout Performance Rectification
This has now been corrected.
During some testing last year, human error had resulted in the programming logic on the server not matching the requirement for a “loss of GPS” status message to be sent when less than for satellites were fixed on by the device. We had it set to zero, and not it is set to “less than 4”.
If plan approved, we will work with GMV to ascertain if they can get the results they require in their chamber.
GMV were not clear on exactly what the issues were, so we will work with GMV to better understand their concerns and ensure results are satisfactory.
We will conduct a further investigation to ensure that stored information is received on Themis following a GSM blackout.
A test yesterday proved positive, and we have data from vessels that show it is working, but we will conduct more thorough test to check the receipt of data from the Themis side.

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Missing Status Codes
There is no action to undertake here.
It was a misunderstanding from GMV on the specification requirements.
They confirmed on the meeting that the only issues was the “Loss of GSM Reception” status message.
The “Loss of GSM reception” message cannot be sent when reception is lost, as there is no reception to send the message on.
GMV confirmed that the message was received correctly when GSM reception was restored.
GMV stated in the meeting that a “GSM Reception restored” message is required, but this is incorrect. It is not in the specification and can be inferred from the fact that data is slowing again.

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As requested in your letter:
a. Corrective action you intend to take which addresses and fixes the specific technical issues that have been identified with your device during testing:
Described above

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b. Whether or not the technical fixes you’ve identified can be done by you directly or need support from a third party.
Technical fixes can be done directly by Maritime Systems.

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c. Clear timescales for the time you consider it will take for the technical fixes to be implemented.
IP67: Manufacture patches – 1 week
Post to users and engineers – 1 week

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Blackout performance:
Fix implemented

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d. How any proposed fixes to the technical issues identified during testing will address both devices that you intend to sell and install on vessels prior to installation and those devices that have already been sold
Clients and / or engineers will be sent patches to affix to the device housing to cover the speaker aperture.
All other fixes are done within the server programming.

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Timescales
Maritime Systems requests that the MMO delivery dates are brought forwards.
It is noted that the IP67 report was issued in November 2022 and the GMV report in February 2023.
We had originally planned a pause in the program until December, and now it is looking like an outcome is not expected until well into Q2.
With almost no sales in 6 months this has caused serious harm to the status of the company, including missing a £500,000 international export opportunity due to cashflow disruption.

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I look forward to receiving your approval to the above plan, and hope we can move forwards in a timely manner.

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Best regards
James