Safety solutions provider Survitec is transforming its lifeboat services operation into a fully global offering with the addition of 14 extra engineers across a range of sites worldwide.
Customers ordering lifeboat services – along with all their other needs such as life rafts – can now enquire with their local branch, then have services delivered wherever they need globally.
The overhaul means it will now have engineers on the ground in five continents, supported by flying squads in the main global ports. Survitec previously sent engineers from the UK and Scandinavia round the world to conduct inspections, but the enhanced service will be quicker and more cost-effective for customers, as well being able to be booked locally.
Its existing team of more than 100 service engineers can already attend any location worldwide, but adding more operatives in additional locations will further improve the service for marine and offshore customers.
The enhanced proposition will be co-ordinated through one point of contact as opposed to multiple sites; reducing the administrative load for the customer. By providing services for all lifeboat brands and types, complexity is also reduced for users.
In addition to compliance with SOLAS regulations and conforming to the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) requirements, Survitec offers multi-brand inspection capabilities approved under Class and Flag.
Survitec carries Class approval – including DNV GL, Lloyds and ABS among others – and many Flag approvals including Panama, Malta, Norway and Liberia.
Survitec also has a renowned and well-developed re-hooking service, in line with the latest relevant IMO standards.
Paul Watkins, Regulatory & Compliance Manager at Survitec Group, said:
“We have always offered a global proposition, but these expansion plans give us an even larger footprint, which in turn offers operators greater peace of mind that we can reach them wherever they sail. Our cross-trained service agents can help companies improve their operational efficiency, not only saving them time and money, but also ensuring their statutory obligations are met. Customers can contact their local branch and the services can then be delivered wherever their ship is going to be globally.
“Our commitment to compliance and our position as a standard bearer for class approvals means that rather than reacting to regulatory changes, we are influential in helping to develop them. This expertise not only qualifies us to service any brand of life-saving appliance, but also means we can help companies no matter what their fleet requirements are.”
Tags: Survitec PCS Posted in Maritime, Press Release | Comments Off on Survitec Group Goes Global by Adding Extra Engineers to Lifeboat Servicing Programme
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH) has released a new Cold War era book: The City Becomes a Symbol: The U.S. Army in the Occupation of Berlin, 1945-1949.
The latest addition in the U.S. Army Cold War series, this new book by William Stivers and Donald A. Carter begins in July 1945 during the opening days of the occupation of Berlin by the Allied powers. The four nations negotiated on all aspects of postwar life in the city, including troop placements, headquarters locations, food distribution and the question of which Berliners could serve in governing the city.
During the initial years of the occupation, differences emerged over policies and goals that led to the Soviets cutting off road and rail access to the city. With no other options, U.S. and British forces had to supply their sectors of the city by air. In addition to meeting the basic needs of the residents in their sectors, the Western allies worked to win the loyalties of the citizens and to convince political leaders to resist the spread of Soviet communism. These first four years of occupation set the stage for a decades-long face-off with the Soviets in Germany.
This book is 329 pages and contains six maps, forty illustrations and an index. It will be issued as CMH Pub 45-4 (cloth) and 45-4-1 (paper), and is available for purchase by the general public from the U.S. Government Publishing Office.
Fix It Sticks is a company that created the Fix It Stick, a compact multitool which consists of two ‘sticks’ designed to combine into a t-shape for leverage. They will soon be releasing an AR-15 Maintenance Kit, complete with hard case, that’s currently up for pre-order on their site.
The kit is full of bits and accessories specifically for AR-15 maintenance. In addition to a set of Fix It Sticks, the kit also contains, in part:
BCG Scraper
Pin Punch
Bronze Scraper
A2 Front Sight Adjustment Bit
Set of Brass Cleaning Rods
The included hard case is designed to hold bits and accessories with a standard 1/4″ base, and any 8-32 threaded component.
The Fix It Sticks AR-15 Maintenance Kit has an estimated ship date of February 1st, 2018.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — In September, Marine Corps Systems Command completed fielding a new biometrics system to help deployed Marines identify and track the movement of individuals encountered on the battlefield, conduct entry control point operations, and determine who is a friend or foe.
Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps, or IDS-MC, is a simple and effective biometric data collection, matching, and transaction management system that is composed of a handheld device, known as the Secure Electronic Enrollment Kit, and a laptop computer with specialized biometric collection sensors and a badge printer.
IDS-MC replaces the Biometric Enrollment and Screening Device to assist with detainee management and questioning, base access, counterintelligence screening, border control and law enforcement operations. Unlike the BESD, IDS-MC’s transactional data management capability conveniently collects, shares, matches and stores identity information immediately, allowing the user to connect to the Tactical Data Network, manage and submit collected data and receive responses and feedback on submissions. This improves on the legacy system, which could take days to download data via a CD or DVD, and then Marines had to transmit that vital identity information from a separately connected computing system. This process was not only logistically cumbersome, but the latency in data submission and response receipt created force protection mission challenges for the Marine.
Marines conduct a field user evaluation for the Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps, or IDS-MC, in Dahlgren, Virginia. In September, Marine Corps Systems Command completed fielding of the IDS-MC, which is a new biometrics system to help deployed Marines identify and track the movement of individuals encountered on the battlefield, conduct entry control point operations, and determine who is a friend or foe.
“The IDS-MC is more convenient because it connects directly to the Marine Corps’ Tactical Data Network, allowing Marines to share data and submit biometrics and receive the responses effortlessly,” said Sarah Swift, Identity Operations Team lead for Biometrics and Forensics Systems at MCSC.
To develop the IDS-MC, the Identity Operations Team identified a need for a portable, easy-to-use system via feedback from Marines in the fleet. The system was created to directly address the specific needs of Marine Expeditionary Forces in a contested environment.
Using IDS-MC, Marines collect biometric data by capturing a person of interest’s fingerprints, iris and face images. That data can then be matched with pre-existing information onboard the system, either on a BEWL or other lists, such as an access control list used for base force protection. The IDS-MC also has the capability to capture location, biographical and any other reference data that may be useful to an intelligence analyst now or in the future.
The IDS-MC user submits biometric information to the Department of Defense’s Automated Biometric Identification System authoritative database via a web portal, allowing data to be shared across the Biometrics enterprise, and also aiding in the creation of the DoD extensive Biometric-Enabled Watch List, or BEWL. The BEWL contains an ongoing collection of biometric intelligence that helps users determine what actions to take immediately when they encounter a person of interest. Additionally, the Marine Corps Intelligence Agency Identity Intelligence Analytical Cell, or MCIA I2AC, reviews the IDS-MC user’s biometrics submissions and other collected biographical and reference data, and provides direct support to the submitting Marines, providing them analysis reports and intelligence products for potential Persons of Interest.
“The BEWL helps Marines match nefarious people they might encounter anywhere in the world to the ones listed in the database,” said Swift. “We support Marines by providing them the most up to date BEWL, and then they can collect a person’s biometrics. If it shows up in the system as a match, they’ll be notified with a pop-up on the device.”
“All of this provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with the ability to rapidly and efficiently identify people encountered in the battle space in support of targeting, military intelligence, law enforcement operations and force protection,” said Maj. Keystella Mitchell, project officer for IDS-MC.
In addition to identifying known threats, the system also collects information on potential future threats and stores it for future reference. If an individual is a match in the system, Marines are able to immediately receive that information and use it to inform on-the-spot decisions.
“It can be difficult to determine who the enemy is because they truly blend in with their surroundings,” said Mitchell. “The IDS-MC is a game changer and force multiplier as a connected system for the commander on the ground because they can identify the threat and take action much quicker than before.”
In addition to the planned fielding of the IDS-MC system, an urgent system quantity shortfall was identified by the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force and Marine Corps Forces Central Command customers. This required an unplanned increase in the number of production assets which required a fielding re-prioritization strategy, additional rapid procurement and integration. The Identity Operations Team adapted its strategy, and within two months of validating the requirement, it fielded the additional systems.
The fielding of the IDS-MC system has led to a 154 percent increase in the biometric collections submitted to MCIA I2AC and resulted in 11 watch list hits in just the first month of fielding.
The IDS-MC is managed by the Identity Operations Team which falls under Command Element Systems at MCSC.
By Kaitlin Kelly, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication
Last week, we launched a raffle along with SOC-F and the Duskin-Stephens Foundation to raise funds for the families of the four 2nd Bn, 3rd SFG(A) Soldiers killed earlier this year in Niger. So far, we’ve raised $7500. The raffle closes soon so we can get the funds disbursed in time to make a difference for Christams and I’d like to see this get to $10,000.
If you’ve already bought a ticket, thank you. If you haven’t please do. Either way, please share this raffle with friends and coworkers.
In case you missed it before, here’s the story:
A few months ago, William Phebus of American Defense MFG approached me about doing a custom SSD rifle to raffle for charity. As a Veteran, I jumped at the opportunity and told him to start working on the project and I’d identify a charity. Unfortunately, one presented itself not long after. Four Soldiers, deployed to the African nation of Niger and assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), were killed during a brutal gun battle with Muslim extremists. I was assigned to the Military Intelligence Detachment of 2/3 SF, serving on a SOT-A from 1990-96. Although I am long retired and never knew any of those men, we share a kinship of common service. And, as a husband and father, I am always concerned about the families who lose someone dear to military service.
SSG Bryan C. Black, SSG Jeremiah W. Johnson, SSG Dustin M. Wright, and SGT La David T. Johnson, you are not forgotten.
Speaking with friends currently serving in 3rd Group, I know that their loss really hit the Bush Hogs hard and I vowed to do something to support each of the families of those men. I want to make sure that every child has a Christmas and the families have bridge funds to help offset any unforeseen expenditures associated with their loss. I hope you’ll join me in this endeavor.
Eric Graves
Editor, Soldier Systems Daily
ADM did the heavy lifting and came through with a great rifle package, which includes accessories I use on my rifle. I will always be in their debt for thier efforts. Since I use a T2 red dot sight on my rifle, the great folks at Aimpoint donated one to the cause. I turned to my friends at the Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F) to help with the raffle and at the Duskin-Stephens Foundation to distribute the funds once the fundraiser is finished. Richard King Photography donated these fantastic photos of the build to the cause as well. Neither I, nor any of of these companies, are taking a dime from this fundraiser. They do it because they support the men and women who defend this great land.
What we are raffling
ADM UIC MOD2 (Soldier Systems Daily Edition)
ADM UIC MOD2
· 14.5 Criterion Barrel 1/8 .223 Wylde Chamber
· Surefire War Comp Flash Hider Pin & Welded
· American Defense MFG® Billet Upper Receiver
· American Defense MFG® Completely Ambidextrous Billet Lower Receiver
· American Defense MFG® 13.5 MLOK rail
· Talon Ambidextrous Safety
· Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
· Geissele® G2S Trigger
· Aimpoint® T2 Red Dot Sight
· American Defense MFG® QD Mount
· Magpul® MBUS Pro Flip Up Sights
· Magpul® Stock
· Magpul® MOE+ Grip
· Magpul® Magazine with MagPod
· Raven Concealment® Top Stop
The carbine features our SSD and KCRF logos.
No one else in the world will have a rifle like this, not even me.
Ticket Info:
SOC-F is only selling tickets to win this rifle package for one week. Tickets are $25.00 each
or
5 for $100.00
15 for $250.00
40 for $500.00
100 for $1,000.00
Rules:
There are always rules, and this raffle is no different. Void where prohibited by law. This rifle IS NOT California compliant. It is American compliant. Please know your local, State, and Federal laws before making a donation. We will not reconfigure the rifle for States that have restrictions on features already assembled. Donations are appreciated, but NOT tax deductible.
According to DoD, Magpul Industries Corp.,* Austin, Texas, has been awarded a $12,792,000 firm-fixed-price, definite-quantity contract for magazine cartridges (sic). This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a one-time buy with no option periods. Locations of performance are Texas and Wyoming, with a Sept. 10, 2018, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7L4-18-C-0028).
Assuredly, they mean “cartridge magazines” rather than “magazine cartridges”. Consequently, this also means GEN M3 PMAGs for everyone (except the Navy).
A £4.49 million defence contract has been agreed between Morgan Advanced Materials and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The contract will see the Composites and Defence business of Morgan deliver hard body armour that has been designed and manufactured to bespoke requirements. The armour, which will be designed and manufactured at Morgan’s UK factory in Coventry, draws on the company’s class-leading composite armour technology capability. The agreement comes a year after Morgan won a £1.1m contract with the MoD to supply ballistic shields and supporting services.
Simon Pickin, President of Morgan’s Composites and Defence business commented: “We are honoured to extend our relationship delivering bespoke protective body armour to the UK Ministry of Defence. Through a combination of extensive composite and ceramic materials knowledge, rigorous testing, and careful application, we are able to deliver ultra-lightweight body armour offering class leading levels of protection. From ballistic helmets, to rifle protected shields and personal armour plates, we are experiencing high demand for our range of ultralight personal armour from our global customer base. We continue to work with major defence and law enforcement organisations and are thrilled to further our products with the UK Ministry of Defence.”
Alongside bespoke products for customer specific requirements, Morgan offers a modular off-the-shelf portfolio of lightweight LASA® hard body armour for a range of mission critical requirements.
Combat FlipFlops currently has a new line of Afghan War Rugs up for pre-order on their site. They’re handmade in Afghanistan, sourced throughout the Northern provinces, and every rug purchased covers the funding of a week of education for an Afghan girl. For the next week, Combat Flip Flops is offering a free pair of AK-47 flip flops with every rug pre-ordered. Put in your order before December 16th, and you’re guaranteed a pair of flip flops under the tree in time for Christmas; the rugs will be delivered early 2018.
The festive video below sums up the offer quite nicely:
