Seafy Launches P2T, an Offline Communication System for Crews
Cubierto por 3 fuentesPublicado
Italian company Seafy launched Seafy P2T (Push-to-Talk), a system designed for operational communication among crew members that turns smartphones into walkie-talkie-type devices connected to the vessel's existing Wi-Fi network. The system works completely offline onboard and, when an internet connection is available, can extend communications to other vessels in the same fleet and to the shipping company's shore-based teams.
Technical Operation
The architecture is based on a server physically installed onboard that locally manages voice communications, users and department channels, allowing the bridge, engine room, deck and other areas to communicate through dedicated channels via iOS and Android apps. Voice transmission starts in under 100 milliseconds, and the system prevents simultaneous transmissions from overlapping on the same channel, while also supporting different priority levels, including an emergency function that can interrupt an ongoing transmission.
Not a Replacement for VHF
According to sources, P2T does not replace the radio equipment or safety systems required onboard, such as VHF and GMDSS, but rather adds an additional layer of internal operational communication. The system does not record audio of conversations, but it does locally store activity logs -user access, channel usage and transmissions- that can be reviewed from a management panel, while voice traffic is transmitted encrypted and each access is linked to an authorized user.
Business Model
The P2T license is sold per vessel rather than per individual user, supporting up to 1,000 users per vessel depending on the configuration chosen, which can cover everything from yachts and cargo vessels to cruise ships and larger fleets, with an annual maintenance service available separately. Splash 247 specified that reference prices start at 2,990 euros for installations of up to 50 users.
Raffaele Borgese, Chief Innovation Officer at Seafy, stated that a vessel cannot depend on an external connection for its departments to communicate, and that with P2T the crew can do so from their smartphones, onboard and without internet access, while the shipping company retains full control of the system. The solution can be installed on a single vessel or in projects spanning multiple vessels within the same fleet, and companies can start with a remote or onboard demonstration before configuring the system according to their existing infrastructure.
