Cannon defends historic steam ship

09 Jul 09

Bristol-based Cannon Security installed PIR detectors, seven dome cameras and a voice speaker warning system on the museum ship at Bristol Dry Dock.

The detectors pick up any activity in the protected area, such an attempt to climb on board out-of-hours, and generate an alarm. Cameras transmit images of the incident to the remote video response centre in Gloucester, where operators can take appropriate action.

“The cameras supply enough images to monitor the entire site and are also recorded on a digital video recorder for use at a later date,” said Norman Routledge of Cannon Security.

The project to protect the ship from fire and vandalism presented the installer with an unusual challenge as it is enclosed on three sides.

“We needed a system that was unobtrusive and that in no way interfered with the ship’s impressive lines,” said Routledge. “Two miles of cabling were installed under the surface of the deck so as not to spoil the aesthetics and general character of the ship.”

Cannon chose RVR as its monitoring partner because of its previous track record. “We have worked successfully with RVR in the past,” he says. “We know we can rely on their technology and their people to protect the ship and the site on which it is moored, 24/7.”

Colin Walters, general manager of RVR, said: “The system gives us the eyes we need to safeguard the SS Great Britain for future generations to enjoy,”

The SS Great Britain was an advanced Atlantic liner designed by Brunel for the Great Western Steamship Company's Bristol-New York service.

While other ships had been built of iron or had been equipped with a screw propeller, it was the first to combine these features in a large ocean-going ship. When launched in 1843, it was the largest vessel afloat.

In 1970, it was returned to the Bristol dry dock where it was built. It now attracts between 150,000-170,000 visitors annually.

RVR is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

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