For more than twenty years Matej has been at the helm, and since 2019 he has been sailing on the Avalon Tranquility. Two to three seasons ago Bridgescout® was added, and by now he no longer wants to be without it. “We always have the system on standby,” he says. “I check the bridges myself, just like I've always done, but it's nice to know there's a backup.”
That back-up proves especially valuable from a distance. “When approaching a bridge, I often can't properly estimate whether the pilothouse is lowered far enough. The system knows.” As soon as he gets closer, he checks it himself once more. Not because he distrusts the system, but because double-checking is simply part of good seamanship for him. “If the system indicates that it's good, I know it will be fine.”
Black screen, until needed
As far as Matej is concerned, Bridgescout® doesn't need to make its presence felt. “The screen is always black for me, otherwise the light is distracting at night.’ That only changes when a bridge approaches. Then the screen turns blue or red, and an audio warning sounds as well. ”That way I know exactly when I need to pay attention, without having to look at it the whole time.“
That simplicity is also what appeals to him the most. “It basically works completely independently. You don’t have to do anything for it. Super easy.”
Teething troubles well behind us
In the first season, the system crashed occasionally, he says, but that hasn't happened for over a year now. “Those were probably just teething problems. We’ve barely had to touch the system over the past year.”
Occasionally, a false alarm occurs, particularly when passing under bridges along the waterways, but Matej does not see this as a problem. “It’s not bothersome, it’s just part of how the system works.” According to him, the cause is usually echoes from the laser off the riverbank or the bridge piers, and sometimes the flags on his ship's foremast play a role when it is windy. “If you know why it happens, it’s not a problem.”
It is therefore beyond doubt that Matej is satisfied with Bridgescout®: “It is a back-up, an extra layer of security. I can only recommend it.”
About the Avalon Tranquility
The Avalon Tranquility sails for Avalon Waterways and has had Bridgescout® on board for two to three seasons. Captain Matej sees the system as a reliable extra layer of safety, especially when estimating bridges from a distance, and recommends it to colleagues without hesitation.
Want to know more about Bridgescout® or curious what it can do for your vessel? Contact us via info@sensormaritime.com of bel +31 (0)73 220 0454. We're happy to help.