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Shipboard CCTV Upgrades for Modern Maritime Operations

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:08:36 GMT

Is your vessel's CCTV up to muster?

CCTV technology has evolved significantly in recent years, and the maritime sector is now well positioned to benefit from these advances. Whether addressing safety, security, compliance, or operational awareness, modern maritime CCTV systems offer substantial improvements over legacy shipboard installations.

Advances in Camera Technology

Electronic camera sensors have developed rapidly. Today’s cameras deliver substantially higher resolution, improved low-light performance, and far greater dynamic range than earlier generations. These improvements result in clearer, more usable imagery in challenging marine environments, including low illumination, glare, and rapidly changing lighting conditions commonly encountered at sea.

Storage Has Kept Pace

Historically, large storage capacity combined with fast read/write speeds was prohibitively expensive for high-quality video recording. This is no longer the case. Reduced memory costs, together with higher-capacity and higher-speed storage technologies, now allow vessels to retain significantly improved CCTV footage without compromise. This ensures critical events are captured in the level of detail required for investigation, training, and regulatory compliance.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Many vessels continue to operate legacy CCTV systems based on analogue cameras connected via coaxial cabling. A key advantage of modern shipboard CCTV upgrades is the ability to reuse this existing infrastructure. High-resolution cameras can operate over coaxial cable, delivering improved performance while avoiding the disruption and cost associated with complete cable replacement.

Where additional coverage is required, systems can be scaled far more easily than in the past. This scalability is becoming increasingly relevant in light of forthcoming regulatory changes. Amendments adopted under SOLAS 2024 (108th session), Chapter II-2, Regulation 20.4 introduce enhanced requirements related to monitoring of vehicle decks, ro-ro cargo spaces, and special category spaces. As these requirements come into force, many passenger RoRo operators are reviewing existing CCTV coverage and upgrade options to ensure systems can be expanded or enhanced to meet these requirements.

Additional camera locations can be added using Ethernet cabling or by leveraging technologies such as Ethernet over Coax (EoC), providing flexibility even on complex or older vessel systems.

Flexible Viewing and Controlled Access

In addition to traditional security control room installations, modern CCTV on ships can be accessed—and where appropriate, controlled—from remote locations within the vessel and, in certain scenarios, from shore-based facilities. Access is managed through permission-based hierarchies, ensuring video feeds and system controls are available only to authorised personnel, in line with vessel security policies and operational requirements.

Enhancing Coverage with PTZ Cameras

As part of our CCTV upgrade assessments, we evaluate whether existing fixed camera locations would be better served by PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras. PTZ devices enable swept coverage zones and allow operators to examine areas of interest in detail, both within and beyond the original fixed field of view. This approach can significantly enhance situational awareness without increasing the overall camera count.

AI-Driven Video Analytics

Artificial intelligence and video analytics are becoming increasingly relevant in shipboard CCTV systems. Modern platforms can trigger events based on motion detection, scene changes, or the presence of humans or vehicles. Facial recognition and integration with access control systems are also emerging areas of interest within the maritime sector, offering enhanced security, automation, and operational insight where appropriate.

Designed for the Marine Environment

Camera construction and materials have advanced alongside image performance. Today’s smaller, lower-cost cameras are available in robust enclosures suitable for marine and shipboard use, designed to withstand harsh operating conditions.

If you are considering a CCTV upgrade for a vessel or fleet, we would be pleased to review your existing system and discuss practical and scalable upgrade options. Please get in touch to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the SOLAS 2024 amendments affect shipboard CCTV requirements?

Amendments adopted at the 108th session of SOLAS introduce changes to Chapter II-2, Regulation 20.4, relating to enhanced monitoring of vehicle decks, ro-ro spaces, and special category spaces. While the regulation does not mandate a single technical solution, many operators are reviewing or upgrading shipboard CCTV systems to support improved situational awareness, early incident detection, and alignment with evolving fire safety and monitoring expectations.

Can existing shipboard CCTV cabling be reused during an upgrade?

In many cases, yes. Modern CCTV upgrades can often reuse existing coaxial cabling, allowing vessels to improve image quality and system capability without the cost and disruption of full cable replacement. The suitability of existing infrastructure is typically assessed during a system review.

What types of cameras are suitable for shipboard CCTV systems?

Shipboard CCTV systems may use a combination of fixed, varifocal, PTZ, analogue, and IP cameras depending on coverage requirements and environmental conditions. Cameras selected for exposed or harsh areas are typically chosen based on appropriate ingress protection and corrosion-resistance characteristics rather than a single blanket certification.

Can CCTV systems on ships be expanded or scaled over time?

Yes. Modern shipboard CCTV architectures are designed to be scalable. Additional cameras and viewing stations can be added using Ethernet cabling or technologies such as Ethernet over Coax (EoC), making it practical to expand coverage as operational or regulatory requirements evolve.

Is remote access to shipboard CCTV systems possible?

Modern CCTV systems can support remote viewing and, where appropriate, control from authorised onboard locations and selected shore-based facilities. Access is governed by permission-based controls to ensure alignment with vessel & operator security policies and operational constraints.

Do modern CCTV systems support video analytics and AI features?

Yes. Many modern CCTV platforms support video analytics such as motion detection, scene change alerts, and human or vehicle presence detection. More advanced capabilities, including facial recognition and access control integration, may be implemented where operationally appropriate and compliant with applicable policies.

Regulatory interpretations may vary, and vessel-specific requirements should be confirmed with flag state and classification society guidance.

TracVision not finding a satellite?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:29:15 GMT

Support for Older KVH TracVision Systems

Understanding the Astra 28.2°E satellite changes and how Burmarc can help

For many years, KVH TracVision domes have provided reliable satellite television reception for boats, yachts, ships, motorhomes, caravans & RVs across the UK and Europe. However, in recent months, some customers have noticed their satellite TV systems struggling to find or track the Astra 28.2°E satellite — the main broadcast source for UK Freesat and Sky channels.

At Burmarc Limited , we’ve been helping UK customers understand what’s happening and offering practical solutions to keep their systems working smoothly and provide practical & affordable upgrade paths.

Why Your TracVision May No Longer Track Astra 28.2°E

The issue isn’t a fault with your dome — it’s due to a major broadcast change.

The Astra 28.2°E satellite cluster has been steadily upgrading its UK television broadcasts from the older DVB-S standard to the newer, high-definition DVB-S2 transmission format. This change improves signal efficiency and allows for HD and UHD channels, but it also means that many older TracVision models — such as the M3, M5, and early R-series domes — can no longer lock onto or track Astra 28.2°E using their built-in DVB-S tuners.

In simple terms, the older systems are looking for “signposts” that no longer exist. As more DVB-S2 transponders replace the legacy DVB-S ones, the number of usable tracking frequencies has reduced dramatically, leaving older TracVision domes unable to maintain a satellite lock.

What This Means for UK Boat and Motorhome Owners

If your TracVision system suddenly struggles to find Astra 28.2°E, endlessly searches without locking on the problem likely lies with the DVB-S/DVB-S2 changeover.

This affects both marine and land-based installations — the challenge is the similar whether your dome is on a yacht, narrowboat, or motorhome.

The good news is that the hardware itself is rarely damaged or faulty; it’s just no longer compatible with the new DVB-S2 broadcast environment.

How Burmarc Limited Can Help

At Burmarc, we specialise in supporting legacy KVH TracVision systems across the UK. Our services include:

Diagnostics and repairs of older KVH domes.
Advice and hardware upgrades to restore or improve functionality and squeeze the last possible use out of the system to enable an alternative route to be discussed, planned and scheduled.
Custom retrofit solutions for customers who wish to retain their existing installation.

We understand that replacing a full satellite dome can be costly and may alter the aesthetic of your vessel or vehicle. That’s why we’ve developed novel retrofit options , including the ability to replace the internal components of a KVH TracVision dome with a Starlink antenna .

This innovative conversion preserves the external look of your system, minimises installation costs, and delivers the benefits of modern satellite internet connectivity — all while maintaining the sleek aesthetic of your boat or motorhome.

Expert Support, Realistic Solutions

Whether you’re looking to repair your existing TracVision, explore DVB-S2-compatible alternatives, or take advantage of our Starlink retrofit option , Burmarc Limited offers expert, UK-based advice and hands-on technical support.

We’re here to help you get the most from your existing equipment — and to future-proof your onboard connectivity for years to come.

Get in Touch

If your KVH TracVision dome has recently stopped tracking Astra 28.2°E, or you’d like to discuss upgrade or retrofit options, contact Burmarc Limited today.

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Our experienced engineers are ready to assist — whether you’re on the water or on the road

New partnership: Axis CCTV & Access control

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:16:33 GMT

Burmarc partner with Axis Communications for specialist CCTV & Access Control systems

We are pleased to be working with Axis for high performance CCTV & Access Control applications

Cellular for near-shore internet connection

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:55:55 GMT

Cellular for near-shore internet connection

Burmarc has been testing various scenarios using its own Starlink, installing systems on a variety of client vessels and would summarise the experience as a very useful addition but not a standalone solution.

How can I fulfil my connectivity need most effectively?

Cellular for near-shore ship’s communications

Background:

Data connectivity demand continues to grow exponentially with existing and new applications all requiring to be connected and looking to secure bandwidth. Telecoms operators are working to keep pace with this trend; 5G is rolled out more widely and 6G+ in development. From a maritime perspective the good news is that most of the range and performance improvements that we are likely to be able to make use of already exist with the later iterations of 4G (LTE).

Not all 4G is equal!

Different categories of 4G modem are on the market which vary significantly in performance:

Some common examples and approximate limits in ideal conditions are shown in the example table below.

**Please note these speeds are the maximum theoretic values not real-world values and many internal and external factors will influence the real-world throughput, however it is still as useful relative measure of the modem performance; these modems will often form part of a router package and so the throughput of this element, the downstream network as well as the modem to cellular network link characteristics will all play a part…

Do I need 5G?

There is an argument for ensuring you have the hardware to take advantage of future infrastructure rollout and many port areas already support high performance 4G and 5G networks.

Both high category 4G and 5G modems are backwards compatible to lower technologies to continue communications where the best technology reachable is only a single band transmission due to range etc.

5G does attract a higher cost but this is also true of the higher Category 4G modems.

Best performance…

A single modem will be constrained by factors such as the category discussed above, the signal (via antenna & cable - we’ll touch on this shortly), the chosen network operator and the coverage in that location, as well as standard RF reception issues like line-of-sight / blockage / reflection and user density on the cell tower you are communicating with.

A secondary SIM can be used in many routers to provide an alternative provider when communication with your preferred network is lost, however, there is a delay (with no IP traffic possible) while the modem switches SIM and logs onto the new network. This is a cost-effective way of increasing coverage and mitigating some of the issues associated with single carrier dependency.

Next on the options list is to add a second modem (or third / fourth) which not only provides the opportunity to add carrier diversity but these devices can be concurrent meaning if one modem has lost signal there may well still be an available connection on the other; add dual SIMs per modem and that first modem can have switched to an available operator without the vessel losing connection. This arrangement is nearly ideal; but for some applications like voice/video calling the session using the first modem will of course disconnect when that link is lost but can be re-established over the second modem but the interruption is unwelcome… combining the 2 or more links into a bonded VPN tunnel means that there is a constant connection provided at least one modem is connected with sufficient bandwidth, the loss of a link will not drop the call but will reduce the bandwidth available for lower priority traffic.

Now imagine coupling this with satellite communications; with failover to the more costly (£/MB) link will cut in when no terrestrial links are available to give a truly seamless experience. Newer LEO technologies can even be added to the VPN as the latency is similar enough - you can also, for further failover, bond multiple GEO links to provide the same benefits but not combine with terrestrial or LEO in the same VPN).

Antennae & Cables

Antennae are a key factor in the ability to make reliable links. A high gain antenna can work well on land as the target tower position is fixed, however, the higher the gain the narrower the aperture and with vessels subject to rolling a high-gain antenna could create an unstable link to the shore tower; so a moderate gain with wide enough aperture is likely to perform better in many marine cases.

Directional or omni directional?

Well as the vessel moves past towers and changes heading the starting point would definitely by omni-directional. There are however a new breed of antenna where an array of directional antenna are used to increase gain and reduce noise while maintaining suitable roll capacity; these tend to be suitable for higher category multi-modem installations.

Cables; the frequency ranges that cellular communications operate do not transmit losslessly within cables so there is a balance between antenna & modem separation (and optimal location for each) and the cable length to achieve this. In cases where the optimal antenna position requires more than 15m of cable to reach the modem then there are combined modems within antenna housings to provide a solution and connect below decks via Ethernet cable (upto 90m). The directional array antenna solutions also tend to have space within the housing to install modems too. The downside of above decks modems assuming we have them in suitable weather tight enclosures is access to the SIM cards; this can be assisted with the use of remote SIM injectors or eSIM use in supporting modems.

Once we have the link via our modem(s) we then configure the router element to provide the desired network and traffic management to suit the client’s needs and deliver the network(s) to the required locations via wired & wireless (Wi-Fi) means as required. Clients love our ability to remotely support them as onboard needs change, new connection opportunities present themselves; taking advantage in the current & future LEO, MEO & GEO satcomms to expand the geographic coverage that cellular can afford them all the time keeping one eye on the cost vs need to ensure that non-essential traffic isn’t being sent over more expensive links than desired.

To Starlink or not to Starlink...

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:14:51 GMT

Connectivity via cellular (4G & 5G), satellite; VSAT (GEO) and/or Starlink (LEO)

When would you consider using Starlink?

Rural locations where no usable cellular connection is possible (even after careful investigation).
To provide connectivity during events where high densities of mobile phone users consume all the available cellular bandwidth making usually good cellular connection unreliable
To add bandwidth to available cellular and or VSAT connections

What are Starlink’s limitations?

Like most satellite communications, line of site is critical, however, unlike services like VSAT that use geostationary satellites you cannot plan to point the dish at a specific location in the sky, the LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites used for Starlink pass overhead so need as much view of the sky as possible for best performance making wooded & urban locations potentially more challenging.
The network is still immature with approx 3200 satellites in service from as many as 42000 planned meaning that not all the coverage nor network capacity exists yet.
The bandwidth during a speediest can be impressive but for some latency & jitter critical applications such as Video calling; Zoom/Teams/Skype/FaceTime etc. the user experience isn’t as good as with other more developed networks.
Formal marine service offerings have been launched since we started working with Starlink products and that has led to some early-adopters feeling hard-done-by as the goalposts moved and the cost gap to conventional offshore services narrowed; the biggest impact was for mainly US consumers who were on the RV/Roam plans and having to change to marine to avoid breaching their contracts with Starlink.
The longevitiy of the Starlink hardware is as yet unknown - it is manufactured to a very keen price point and this could result in limitations especially in harsh maritime environments over time; having said that so far we have only encountered one unit failure and that was a system deployed for rural application.

How can I fulfil my connectivity need most effectively?

This is a question where each application will have differences; some minor, some major and we’d be happy to discuss individual requirements with you…
Our approach in most cases would not be to rely on a single link solution and depending on the project we’d scale link number and type to suit but the fundamental principle will be to combine 2 or more links via a Peplink router to deliver the optimal connection even for static users.
Mobile users will often encounter a wide variety of environments in which they will need their connection and some of these users will even need that link available on-the-move. Solutions such as multiple 4G/5G modems with application appropriate Poynting antennae offering connections to different network operators and SIM cards that can roam to any available operator are a great starting point for these users but there may be times when they travel to locations with no cellular coverage or to an event where the capacity cannot meet the demand when a satellite based failover will provide the next level of performance.
Marine users are more familiar with this approach as for some years both in commercial shipping and leisure yachting we have provided these least-cost-routing options from shore Wi-Fi, to Cellular data, to Satellite link and this has been taken a step further by KVH to include all of these links in a single antenna package with the New TracNet series (separate blog focusing on TracNet in the works).
Even now that Starlink has the marine service is authorised and available in many regions we don’t expect a wholesale switch to Starlink-only users but rather we will be adding Starink and TracNet type products to Peplink solutions to provide clients with the combination of all of these links optimised to suit specific client needs both now and looking to their growing future demands.
Treating Starlink as a cellular network from the sky is the best analogy; it has many of the benefits and limitations of cellular networks including bandwidth contention issues when high densities of users are in the same region as we demonstrated in the Caribbean during the Christmass of 2022
What about OneWeb…? Another service we expect to see adding capacity and strength to our portfolio of connectivity in the exciting near future.

Satellite TV stopped working?

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 15:52:23 GMT

Astra 28.2 E - Transponder changes 2023

Have you just switched on the Sat TV dome / dish on your boat / yacht / motorhome / caravan / horsebox to find it’s not tracking?

One potential cause is that BBC have recently introduced HD versions of their regional channels which required a number of the Astra 2 (28.2E) transponders to switch their transmission type to DVB-S2 (8psk modulation).

These changes mean that many automatic satellite systems will need updating in order to restore their ability to locate, identify and lock onto the signal in order to watch satellite TV services on Astra 28 like Freesat, Sky or Free to air (FTA) BBC / ITV / Channel 4 / 5 etc.

If you need assistance with reprogramming your antenna Burmarc are experienced with many different products for both marine & land-mobile applications from KVH TracVision, Intellian, Raymarine, Garmin, Oyster, Teleco, SatFi and others so please get in touch to arrange an on-site service which includes a diagnostic & visual health-checks as well as frequency updates where needed.

How Superyachts Stay Connected With Wi-Fi

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:21:58 GMT

While some may value the seclusion and privacy of a luxury yacht charter, the majority of guests expect to remain connected to the internet even whilst at sea.

But how do superyachts provide that Wi-Fi?

There are six main methods of connecting your vessel to the internet, including four that can be used whilst out at sea (cellular data - 4G & 5G coastal only, VSAT, Inmarsat, Iridium, and some exciting new disruptive players on the horizon), and two that can be used while docked in a marina (shoreline connection and port Wi-Fi).

If you’re interested in hearing more about it all and how it works on board, you’ve come to the right place. However, if you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on +44 1420 460461 .

Context

The key parameter that we will refer to many times throughout this blog is ‘bandwidth’: the maximum flow of data possible down (and up) an internet connection’s ‘pipe’.

Historically, we have an understanding of typical file sizes; text emails a few KB (Kilobytes), PDF documents a few hundred KB to a couple of MB. Bandwidth was only really a concern regarding the time it would take to upload/download a file, but today with so many of our applications being live rather than downloaded, content bandwidth has become a critical number where a minimum bandwidth is required to facilitate such applications. Here are a few examples of approximate bandwidth demands from regular devices/programmes, along with the data consumed.

Cellular data

The main advantage of 4G and 5G cellular data is the significant level of affordable bandwidth it provides. The more bandwidth you have, the faster and more efficiently your internet performs—which ultimately leads to a better guest experience. Because of this, 5G cellular data is a preferred method of connection for many vessels.

5G is also a significantly cheaper (cost per MB and hardware) alternative to satellite communications, which are not only more costly for the data but also require the installation of expensive and often large form-factor hardware. 5G is also favoured among many vessels because of its advanced speed relative to 4G, and its increased user capacity.

However, there are also some disadvantages of 5G cellular data to be considered. For example, while many popular destinations/marinas are working towards having 5G infrastructure, there are still many that do not currently have 5G available from any cellular network. With that in mind, best practice dictates that any 5G installations are backward compatible so that in the absence of 5G signal, the vessel will still be able to connect to LTE-A Pro, LTE-A, 4G LTE, and even 3G signals.

The performance gains of cellular data and network performance accelerated notably in the 4G (aka LTE; acronym for Long Term Evolution) development cycle with significant improvements in the coastal range, bandwidth, and device support.

Not all 4G modems are equal! 4G modems can range from Category 1 to Category 20 although in most cases entry level 4G (LTE) modems start at Cat-4 with a theoretical maximum speed of 150/50mbps down/up. LTE-A starts around Cat-6 and uses MIMO to double the downlink maximum to 300mbps. Category 20 delivers up to 2000/300mbps, achieving this through LTE-A Pro enhanced carrier aggregation, but like all the above specifications, it’s only possible to achieve under ideal conditions. So, for mobile and marine users, the higher category modems mean being able to connect to all relevant LTE technologies gives the best chance of a good link.

5G is the latest (fifth generation) iteration of the cellular industry’s network, which relies on a New Radio technology (NR) to improve yet further on what LTE has been delivering since 2008. The headline-grabbing nanowave speeds will only be for densely populated spaces like stadiums and events where so many users will be looking for simultaneous connections and where the radio waves simply cannot propagate over any distance. But we can expect that the gains seen in 4G will be subtly enhanced in terms of range, we should see lower latency once the 5G network infrastructure is mature and more devices will be capable of the gigabit performance levels offered by the best 4G products.

In all cases, correct installation with high-quality antenna arrays in optimal location, short high specification RF cabling and a good cellular network provider are all key factors to success. Burmarc is experienced in all of these critical attributes and can offer tailored solutions for your application.

Any network SIM cards are also a superb weapon in the armoury as a backup to an unlimited data SIM for your primary preferred network. Having a SIM that will connect to any UK network when the primary SIM is unable to connect expands the capability of the cellular solution significantly.

VSAT

The VSAT is the most expensive method of internet provision while at sea, but that’s because a VSAT satellite is incredibly reliable and will keep you constantly connected to the internet wherever your vessel is located. Leveraging high-performance geostationary satellites, the challenge for VSAT providers was to get satellite operators to point costly transponder beams at the sea where there were far fewer users to service. But as data demands increased globally and the business case for marine users became more compelling, operators provided the coverage for all the key shipping lanes and passages around the globe.

There are three main categories of VSAT satellite connection: C-band, Ka-band and Ku-band. C-band connections require a large antenna to maintain global coverage and perform the best in poor weather conditions compared to the other bands, however, C-band data rates are slow by modern standards. Ka-band connections have the quickest speed of all three bands, and Ku-band systems offer great all-round performance in smaller antennae and are deployed in settings where there will be high levels of demand for the Wi-Fi. Many superyachts have this connection as standard because of the multiple satellites, high bandwidth and seamless global coverage offered by some solutions.

The advantage of VSAT connections is that they provide vast coverage on every vessel, the services are mature and the vessel can choose from tariffs with unlimited data at a fixed bandwidth, or pay per MB for best-effort, high-speed offerings—and in some cases a combination of both of these channel types.

Technological advances have also meant reduced antenna sizes. KVH offers systems with dishes as small as 37cm, while their 60cm and 1m dishes offer both unlimited and high-speed channels independently and simultaneously with speeds as high as 10/3mbps and 20/3mbps respectively

Inmarsat

Historically the global leader in maritime satellite communications, Inmarsat has been challenged for supremacy at sea by significant improvements in VSAT offerings and their much lower cost-per-MB compared to Fleet Broadband.

The current generation of i6 satellites service the FleetXpress service, which is based on Ka-band and L-band connections. This ensures fast throughput on the ka-band under normal conditions and L-band for a weather resilient low-speed link.

Iridium

Iridium has been in operation for 20 years and, although it had a shaky start, remains a useful, truly global satellite provider for voice and data services. The latest generation of Iridium Certus systems can offer 700/300kbps download and upload speeds respectively, as well as voice and SMS services. Iridium also became GMDSS-approved and now offers Global Maritime Distress services on specific terminals. The mature fleet of 66 operational (and nine spare) LEO satellites provide full global surface coverage. Cost per MB is prohibitive to use as a primary data source for large volumes of data, but as a backup it has been a popular solution to commercial shipping and leisure craft alike.

Shore connection and port Wi-Fi

The shore connections should provide the best opportunity for an optimal internet connection while alongside, but the performance of these links varies from location to location—some harbours provide excellent infrastructure while others have severe limitations and get congested at busy times. In most cases, they should be the cheapest cost per MB of all the options, and if a good-quality uncapped link is available then this provides a great chance to carry out any device updates, synchronise cloud drive folders and download content for your next trip. Of course, you cannot take this service with you and even the Wi-Fi won’t be connecting you when more than a couple of hundred meters from the quay.

Whether a wired or wireless shore link, it is worth ensuring the vessel is capable of connecting to these services when they are strong enough to provide the potential benefits.

Starlink, OneWeb, et al.

Starlink has been grabbing the attention of land and marine users alike, offering cellular performance connection via satellite (LEO - Low Earth Orbit satellites). Hundreds of mbps download speeds, and tens of mbps upload speeds, is similar to LTE-A (4.5G) performance, and interestingly it often delivers latency of a similar magnitude to cellular links. Cost per MB is pretty low for residential and RV users but the marine and business grade services are looking to be comparable to other satellite providers. Currently in the EU, marine systems and services are not yet offered and the population of satellites is still being deployed so geographic coverage is still limited for now. Like Iridum, the satellites pass overhead, meaning a very broad view of the sky is needed for optimal performance. This makes good installation locations tricky to find on sailing yachts (this is true of other satellite systems too and well-performing solutions are often provided using dual antenna arrays).

OneWeb has just launched another payload of 40 satellites into LEO and they plan to complete all launches to finalise the fleet during 2023, so we can expect to hear much more about this player and the service’s benefits over the coming months. We’ll be adapting our approach in terms of providing the right solutions as these exciting new opportunities become stable and beneficial to deploy.

Amazon is also set to launch its own internet-via-satellite service soon to compete with the others, so the outlook is encouraging for a highly competitive spacescape, which promises better performance at more affordable prices.

Hybrid solutions

In reality, no single link type can fulfil the varied data demands of modern life aboard a superyacht, so the real objective is to provide multiple links that can be selected based on application/user/device or other criteria, and then match the performance demands and best value proposition to fulfil the need.

In terms of least-cost routing, your priority links might look like:

Shore link > Cellular > VSAT unlimited > VSAT Highspeed/Fleet Xpress > Iridium

These tie up with the distance from shore that each service can offer, with VSAT being regional or near-global and Iridium being pole-to-pole global coverage.

However, your requirement may be to provide a minimum bandwidth and stability for a business operational need where bonding multiple connections from different links can ensure that critical business applications and latency-sensitive sessions like video calls are always available.

Crew welfare in the maritime industry has been recognised as a key to staff retention and offering the ability to WhatsApp loved ones at home during the pandemic has been incredibly valuable to those working on board. An unlimited modest bandwidth subscription can facilitate this at a known cost for the owners.

KVH’s new TracNet H-series is a product line that recognises the need to combine the potential of multiple link types and we’ll be using these in conjunction with Peplink Routers to add further links to the mix. This ensures that, for each vessel, the right performance-cost ratio can be reliably delivered. Being a scalable approach means we’ll also be able to introduce the new LEO and MEO services and make use of their USPs alongside the dependability of the mature operator’s services.

The Burmarc team is heavily invested in providing clients with the highest-quality connectivity solutions. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the options available to you for marine internet provision, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website, or email us at sales@burmarc.co.uk for more information.

Wavehunter Certified Professional

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 06:20:35 GMT

Multi-directional, multi-modem, 4G & 5G high performance internet at sea

Burmarc is proud to be selected as a UK partner for the Poynting Wavehunter product and we have been awarded "certified professional" for the system sale specification, installation & support - adding to our extensive range of indespensible mobile & marine communication solutions.

Iridium GMDSS

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Mon, 16 May 2022 14:50:03 GMT

We hope you never have cause to use this button!

But it's reassuring to know that every system installed is tested end to end just in case it is ever needed for real.

Rural Hampshire cellular internet

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 11:06:58 GMT

Farm outbuildings with poor mobile phone reception - connectivity solution delivered

Could Burmarc provide a satellite internet solution for the farm where mobile reception was patchy and live video calling was needed?

Yes of course we could but

Some detailed online location research showed the potential for some cellular connectivity on one particular carrier and possible overlap from another.
Using a cellular solution would provide the client with lower operational data cost, lower latency and higher bandwidth than satellite.
Initial site survey confirmed client's experience with handheld devices on-site, but also demonstrated significant reception improvements were acheived via high performance external antennae.
All four UK cellular networks tested and the results aligned reasonably with the original online reseach.
Power was available on-site (although there was planty of scope to add off-grid solution should it have been required).

The proposed solution:

Peplink Transit 5G coupled to mast-mounted Poynting Puck-5 & Puck-2 array plus an AP-one Mini.
Mobile hardened router was selected due to the wide range of temperature & humidity likely to be found in the outbuilding despite being in a dry location.
5G version provided future proof performance - able to make the most of the forthcoming 5G infrastructure rollout and at the same time provide the best available throughput today.
Puck-5 provided dual cellular antennae and GPS & WiFi elements - the latter provides Wi-Fi to handheld devices around the paddock area. Puck-2 added the further 2 cellular antennae to provide the full array required for the Cat-20 modem.
AP-One Mini provided the in-building access point.
Expansion for CCTV and other potential uses was also possible.

Installation:

One-day schedule was possible due to the prior site survey
The discrete antennae were mast mounted just above ridge line for 360 access to signals
Equipment & cabling enclosed for aesthics and discretion
2x top-performing SIMs were installed and tested in the mounted hardware with solid 20Mbps downlink from both, however, the carrier which on paper looked to provide the best direct coverage delivered only 2Mpbs uplink versus the 10Mpbs from the alternative network.
The primary SIM was set to use the strongest field-test network with failover to the second provider.
During the first 25-days 100% internet availability was reported on the primary SIM and only after a storm event caused an issue with the cell tower on that network did the router switch over to the second SIM but this ensured the client was still connected .
Remote access & support is provided via the Peplink InControl2 platform which enabled Burmarc to support this project from the office once the site works were complete.

Completed fleet-fit VSAT installation project

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 10:26:56 GMT

Fleet of vessels upgraded to Agile KVH V7HTS satellite broadband

Burmarc's techs have now successfully completed all of the vessels in the fleet despite the additional challenges of the pandemic. Program schedule was from October 2020 until January 2021.

The fleet now have an unlimited data channel for crew use and a highspeed channel for operations (as well as telephone) and KVH NEWSlink daily news & TRAININGlink content - a significant upgrade for each element of the fleet's communication capabilities. LinkedIn post

KVH Watch - Technician

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 08:51:51 GMT

Burmarc - certified KVH Watch Technician

Burmarc are pleased to confirm successful completion of KVH's latest certification: KVH Watch

Iridium Certus Training

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 08:03:16 GMT

Iridium Certus: Sailor 4300 Installation & Configuration

Burmarc has completed e-learning certification for the installation & configuration of the latest generation Iridium Next MBX Core hardware from Cobham.

The Sailer 4300 is capable of upto 700kbps download & 176kbps upload globally making it a great stand-alone marine communications platform but also an excellent backup to VSAT where higher data throughput at lower $/MB cost is preferred for the majority of the time but failover to Iridium ensures connection in locations where VSAT use is not possible.

KVH TracVision TV10

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 14:56:12 GMT

KVH TracVision TV10 - The lightest 1m Satellite TV antenna - High performance Ku-band reception

KVH's latest & greatest TV antenna for extended Satellite TV reception

Marine Peplink Certified Engineer - Qualified

183:709427325 (Simon Bush) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:46:16 GMT

Marine Peplink Certified Engineer

In addition to the original Peplink certification Burmarc was one of the first companies to submit Engineers for the Marine specific certification.

Now with added Peplink Certification

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 15:13:09 GMT

Peplink Cellular Router Certified Engineer

Peplink Certified Engineer status now added to our industry certifications