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Charles Bradley, an industry leading audio engineer with over twenty five years of experience, founded Superyacht AV. His love of the open water fused with his passion for live audio engineering created the ideal opportunity to supply world-class audio experiences for a different kind of audience.

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Testimonials

superyacht av systems

Charles in now working on my third Sunseeker yacht, the first being the Manhattan 65 in 2018, the Sunseeker 86 yacht in 2019 and now the latest work in progress which is the Sunseeker 116 yacht. Whilst the audio visual available from the ship builder is a fairly comprehensive system I really wanted a completely personalised bespoke system. We needed pure simplicity in terms of operating all of the audio visual systems, blinds, environmental controls, lighting and monitoring all areas of the boat for added guest and crew safety. With each boat the technology available has vastly improved, from the size and flexibility of the speakers, they can be almost invisible these days, to the line array speakers and the compactness and lightness of the outdoor cinema screen. I am still using the 86 whilst the 116 is under construction and enjoying every moment of the boat, though in only 24 months new AV tech has recently become available and is being readied for the 116 will make this a truly stand out yacht.

For all of the yachts we have built Charles has given us an end to end service from initial concept right through to wiring diagrams, rack design and stacking to even making sure we have the right TV channels for Mediterranean and Asia cruising.

superyacht av systems

M/Y Skye is the second yacht I have been skipper on that Charles, and Superyacht AV, has been responsible for. As Skipper, my main priorities regarding onboard AV are simple and intuitive control and reliability of use for the owner and guests alike. The yacht wide integration system onboard Skye means we can control everything from our phones, or the yacht’s iPads, without having to disturb anyone.

With neat and unobtrusive installation, Superyacht AV’s system is slick in both operation and presentation. Using Savant as the main control throughout.The audio quality in every area of the yacht is unsurpassed and testament to Charles’ skill and experience, with 4k video distribution we have the whole package onboard. Support and communication is quick and easy, and nothing is ever too much trouble.

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 Client privacy and confidentiality is imperative.

Identities, project images and information are used with prior written consent.

Designed by Charles Bradley

LAUNDRYBOARD

Innovative technology that surpasses all expectations  .

Guests, owners and professionals can tell the difference. Welcome to the future of luxury technology.

superyacht av systems

FUTURE-PROOF TECHNOLOGY

We ensure that your technology is future-proof, enabling you to easily upgrade your experience as the world of technology around us evolves.

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MAXIMISE EXPERIENCE

From design to functionality, we create technology for luxury that maximises your experience and opens up new opportunities for immersive luxury.

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INVEST IN INNOVATION

We stand for innovation, quality & service, delivering products that answer a demand for experience-centred solutions in exclusive environments.

Innovative media & control

Seamless service call

Next-level nautical information

21st Century Yacht Information System

Simple technology for smooth operations

Seven-star service optimised

Innovation from sea to shore

We design groundbreaking products for the world’s most exclusive superyachts, private residences, hotels & cruise ships. From sea to shore, YachtCloud products are scalable to any size without losing responsiveness, elevating the luxury experience to 21st Century and beyond.

YachtCloud creates innovative luxury technology products to meet the evolving demands of tomorrow.

Get in touch and discover the future of luxury technology.

“After testing pretty much every system available, I’ve found OMNIYON certainly the easiest to use. The ability to combine personal content with recognised TV shows and movies is something most other systems struggle to offer, while the YachtCloud team are a pleasure to work with. I look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”

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Dan Marshall

Founder, DJM Tech

“We have seen a significant increase in our productivity since using LaundryBoard, saving one hour per day on average during charter. The entire laundry management and handover across shifts are seamless. LaundryBoard is an essential onboard tool for an accountable yacht interior and we are delighted with it.”

Lauren Penrose

Chief Stewardess, 88m Motor Yacht

“OMNIYON comes with a simple, smooth and ready-to-go User Interface that was missing in our market. The smart software behind this takes care of all control and entertainment, and it integrates nicely with existing control system gear. The merging of Live TV & Control is amazing. Everybody can do, saves us lots of time and the client is very happy.”

Private client

“The innovative product range from the likes of OMNIYON, GEST and SYMETRIC make the industry’s norm look incredibly dated and dull. YachtCloud is excellent at taking a current solution, redesigning that solution to be intuitive and feature-rich. We are proud to be partners alongside the revolution that’s happening at Yachtcloud.”

Ryan Porter

Director, Yot Store

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superyacht av systems

A state-of-the-art AV and IT system is essential to how owners, guests and crews experience a yacht. VBH has expertise to ensure your systems run smoothly, no matter the conditions at sea.

VBH is the world’s leading integrator of smart technology within the most complex environments. We have over half a century of experience in integrating AVIT systems on superyachts. AVIT systems are more than just televisions, computers and speakers: they are complex, robust environments that must ensure optimal onboard entertainment and operations. Making the most of AV and IT technology obviously requires a sound knowledge of the tech involved. At VBH we also focus on understanding people’s behaviour and needs, and how this fits with the onboard systems. The main question that drives us is: How can we improve the quality of life by deploying technology in the most savvy, agile and intelligent way?

VBH works with leading manufacturers to ensure the finest onboard systems possible

superyacht av systems

VBH works with leading manufacturers to ensure the finest onboard systems possible. Our team is always looking for the next big thing and more than willing to do the testing required to ensure a seamless transition. Technology is constantly changing: we filter through the noise on your behalf to provide you with state-of-the-art, cutting-edge systems that flawlessly meet your needs.

Control platforms

In addition to implementing the latest technologies in AV, VBH has created its own media control platform called Pulse to tailor the viewing experience to the unique tastes of guests. Besides Pulse, there is also Pivot, a control app which provides a modern and intuitive user interface for your control of the onboard visual and cabin environment systems.

VBH works with the latest technology and finest products

We merge high technology with superb design and provide special, custom, interactive installations. VBH works with leading manufacturers to ensure the latest technology.

AVIT

Long track record of onboard AVIT installations

Today, we are proud to have worked on more yachts than any other company in the industry, with a total of over 300 successfully delivered projects (both refits & new builds) currently under our belt.

Easy user interfaces for all onboard a superyacht

All onboard systems need to work together seamlessly. Control systems from VBH smoothly integrate the AV, IT, communication, lighting and security systems & we work with the best products.

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Veritais: 5 things to consider when upgrading your Superyacht AV/IT systems

superyacht av systems

Superyacht AV/IT systems are evolving every year. For crews to stay on top of the latest trends, it’s important to partner with a company that is reliable and supportive, like Veritais AV/IT specialists . Before we learn about how Veritas works with Captains and crew, let’s take a look at the top 5 things to consider when upgrading your yacht’s AV/IT system.

Veritais - Audio visual entertainment - Suepryacht cinema

Fast WiFi coverage with the latest hard & software is vital, and one of the most vital things to keep guests happy. Every time a new phone is about there will usually be a new technology of WiFi protocol embedded in the tablet or phone. If the yacht does not have this latest up-to-date hardware the guests/crews’ phones, and tablets, will most certainly underperform. This is so often dismissed and not budgeted for. However, it is extremely frustrating for both guests who are trying to use the systems, and engineers who have to explain and try to fix these issues.

2. A fast reliable internet connection

This is crucial for everyone onboard! It can be managed both from a financial aspect but more so technically, dividing the incoming bandwidth according to management, owners, and crew, then onto guests, principal guests, and owners on/off board status. This will allow different speeds to be allocated according to time of the day. And, depending on if the guests are on board or not, budgets can be cut off-season and during yard periods to minimise costs.

3. Good quality / Sounding audio on board

Although this may be a passion of Veritais, collectively there’s nothing better than a great-sounding audio system (which doesn’t necessarily mean loud). But to be able to have super-quality background music one minute, and then have the ability at the touch of a button, or swipe of a key to be able to seriously up the level of sound without losing quality, is amazing. However, this costs money and takes planning. But as a result, owners and guests will subconsciously benefit and ultimately deliver relaxation enjoyment.

4. A reliable system with offshore technical support

Systems need to be stable and reliable; crew and engineers do have time to keep fixing or ‘firefighting;’ the AV/ IT systems. The systems that crew mostly have problems with is where the management has usually cut back on budget. By doing this something has to give, whether that be in product quality (knock of effect is then reliability), or for example, things like costly UPS’s (uninterrupted power supply) are removed from the quote to keep budgets down. Doing this will have a knock-on effect on reliability and consequently. User experience will be disappointing, engineers and crew will become frustrated, and complaints will be made all around.

An example:

David Milner: We had an owner last season who decided to save around €25k on the system, and not to renew the 10-year-old main AV hardware. Instead, to put new speakers onboard, new lights, and new second/ third tender. As a result, this season he’s spent about €40k+ on firefighting, and buying second-hand parts. They’ve had days & weeks of disappointment with no sound in certain areas still. This has result in it ‘ruining’ the guest’s time on board. Management isn’t happy, crew and guests aren’t happy, all for trying to save a few pounds short term , which ultimately cost the yacht more, and they still have an old system in place that need updating.

5. Invest in the latest tech

Get something other boats don’t have! Exceptionally large, outdoor foldaway TV screens and quality speaker systems! Clever software to automate the yacht will help deliver the ‘wow factor.’

Veritais -Superyacht Upper Deck Spa Pool

Guests coming onboard want all the facilities they have at home. So, this primarily is streaming of music and/or movies. Which, has changed what equipment we specify, quote and deliver onboard now. And consequently, costs of the Internet Bandwidth (Download) to stream these systems has increased. Guests are wanting party mode a lot more now, which has always been ‘a thing’ but now they want party with the same music/same track playing throughout decks and areas as ‘one party zone’. As well as this, guests are now actively encouraged to log into their own Netflix, amazon movie account (this also lowers costs of the onboard accounts), where they can continue watching episodes of dramas/series they’ve been watching at home before arriving onboard. This however ,all requires high bandwidth of Internet download speeds, all of which is doable with the correct & latest equipment, but also good internet packages in place. – David Milner, Founder of Veritas

About Veritais Audio specialists & visuals experts:

Whether you need to boost your access to online engagement, enhance your yacht’s lighting so that you can create different moods for different occasions, or develop your crews knowledge of the systems on board, Veritais are pioneers in the Superyacht AV/IT sectors. Their AV engineers have been working in the yachting industry for over 20 years – Designing, installing, and commissioning on Superyachts from 35m up to 95m+. During this time, they have completed over 25 yacht refits. All carried out in various international locations from France, Spain, Italy, UK to Antiqua and Florida.

Services include:

  • Audio specialists & visuals expertise
  • Blinds, Cabin & AC Control
  • Superyacht indoor and outdoor cinemas
  • Integration and control with such systems as Crestron, Control4, Lutron, and RTI
  • Yacht lighting, including Led Lights (Only control of but NOT supply)
  • Yacht networking
  • Outdoor entertainment systems including DJ Booths, Nightclub/ reference level sound & lighting systems, and outdoor TVs
  • CCTV (do NOT provide cyber security services)

How do Veritais audio specialists & visuals experts support Captains and crew when looking to upgrade their yachts AV/IT systems?

With the latest Superyacht AV/IT systems it’s critical that crew know how to maintain them. But also, how how to solve any technical issues. However, AV training isn’t always available for crew, and, where it is it can be time-consuming and expensive. Engineers should typically have experience with each system component on their yacht. In order to maintain the systems, certain skills are required of the crew based on the latest technology.

If you want to get in touch with Veritais for further information on the Superyacht AV/IT systems you can contact them via:

  • Email: d.milner@veritais.com
  • Team No: +44 018276488
  • Personal No: +44 7974564959

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Harris Grant - AV & IT systems for superyachts

In the rarefied world of superyacht IT and AV technology, few firms have built themselves such an exclusive reputation as the UK’s Harris Grant. It is considered by experts one of the leading suppliers of IT installations and AV solutions to some of the biggest superyachts around.

‘Our background,’ explains Neil Grant, MD of the company, ‘is in TV and film broadcast. It was only through (musicians) Peter Gabriel and Dave Stewart, who introduced me to Paul Allen, who wanted a recording studio on his boat, that I became involved in superyachts. I’ve always had distaste for the term AV because we are not an AV company. If anything, we are an IT company, as there is a convergence between IT and entertainment technology.

‘We’ve been involved in large projects, from the first cinema installed on a Feadship to things like the theatre on Lady Aviva . We sign NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) with nearly all our clients so are unable to discuss specific projects. It’s taken for granted that we respect confidentiality.

‘The most important aspect of any yacht installation is the “backbone” the hardware sits on. It needs to be sufficiently sophisticated to deliver the bandwidth necessary for whatever is going to happen in the future. That allows an upgrade path regardless of what happens to the hardware.

‘There is a lot of pressure on us to make things disappear. Owners want functionality, but don’t want to see it. We are integrating with interior designers, and there is very little tolerance for things like cables or speakers to be visible. We take the whole series of compromises based on the owner’s preference. There are owners who are giving us specific instructions about the quality of their audio, but they are few.

‘Every owner and guest will want to watch a movie, listen to some music, watch the news, or see a streamed feed from the other side of the world, so competent network design and implementation is critical. On-board networks are increasingly sophisticated. But whether it’s a telephone or a control device, it has to roam. Wireless has become very important and complex and must be reliable.

‘The biggest shortcoming is when you’re travelling. A yacht has possibilities for accessing bandwidth, the most common being a VSAT terminal, which can deliver 1MB or 2MB speeds. There is nothing on the horizon to improve that in the near future. You have to accept quality trade-offs.

‘We are in the middle of a revolution in control systems, driven by Apple’s iOS mobile operating system. The way monitoring and control systems are implemented has become more sophisticated with the evolution and adoption of new technologies. We don’t take a particular allegiance, but if you put control devices in front of an owner, invariably they will pick up the iPad, swipe it, and away they go.

‘AV is just a small part of information technology that should not be considered in isolation. It’s an integral part of what provides the owner’s enjoyment of his yacht. It has to be embedded and work seamlessly in among all the other things that contribute to the owner’s enjoyment.’

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  • Aug 11, 2022

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN UPGRADING YOUR YACHTS AV/IT SYSTEMS

Updated: Aug 24, 2022

Friday 12 August, 2022

Superyacht AV/IT systems evolve year-on-year, as newer technology comes to the market. It’s important that your yachts crew and engineers are able to work with a company that will help your superyacht keep up with the latest trends.

A fast Wi-Fi coverage is vital. Guests will always require not only constant connectivity but the fastest available. It’s important to have the technology aboard to integrate the Wi-Fi protocol embedded in the latest phone or gadget release. Without the latest hardware, so often these new devices will underperform, and leave your engineer explaining to guests why the issue is not such an easy fix.

A fast reliable internet connection can also be managed financially, as well as technically, dividing the bandwidth according to whether guests are onboard or not, or to certain areas of the yacht. Different speeds can be allocated during the day, as well as being cut during shipyard and maintenance periods.

A great sounding audio system is a must as well, most especially if you know your yacht is going to be used for parties or entertaining. ‘Great sounding’ though doesn’t necessarily have to mean loud, as crisp quality background audio always works as a great touch, especially with the ability to pump that volume up with no loss of quality.

Offshore technical support is crucial, ensuring systems remain reliable and up to speed. It means that the engineers and crew are spending a lot less time troubleshooting AV/IT issues and more time keeping the yacht operating. Often, it’s the systems that are most problematic where management has cut back on in budget. Product quality depreciates and UPS’s (uninterrupted power supply) are removed from the budget which leads to frustrated crew, poor user experience and guest complaints.

Investing in the latest tech will not only improve the quality of the systems onboard but amaze your guests as well. Whether they be foldaway TV’s or quality speakers, the latest in AV/IT systems update the yacht’s capability to entertain and impress.

For more information about upgrading your AV/IT systems or superyacht management, get in touch with the SWM Yachts yacht management team at [email protected] to arrange a consultation on your superyacht ownership needs.

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STARLINK – THE FUTURE OF YACHT COMMUNICATIONS?

THE FUTURE OF SUPERYACHT FUEL: ALTERNATIVE FUELS TO REDUCE SUPERYACHT EMISSIONS

STARLINK – OFFICIALLY NOW AVAILABLE FOR MARITIME USE

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The icon of Mr. Smith looks like a special agent. A man in sunglasses looks boldly forward. The collar of the blouse can just be seen on the logo. The hair of the special agent is slick to the side.

Specializing in audio, video and IT solutions for superyachts, Mr. Smith introduces the Lavie system and app, providing a seamlessly user-friendly solution.  Elevate your experience by effortlessly enjoying your favorite movies and music, while also gaining control over lighting, A/C, and CCTV systems.

Our new TV app has arrived!

Live location.

The new LAVIE app includes a map view showing your live location. In the top bar of the screen the vessels location, heading, speed as well as the current depth, air and water temperature are displayed. This information is both available on-screen and in the LAVIE app.

Vessel.png

Vessel Information System

When using the new LAVIE app, all the information you need is accessible in one place. 

Details like the position of the vessel, arrival times and facts about the next destination, your cruising itinerary, weather, crew information, food and drinks menus, are all accessible within the LAVIE application

One App To Rule Them All

All your content in one place. The LAVIE system allows you to not only browse your locally stored content, but it allows you to see all the content that is available from your favorite streaming services.

You can browse through the entire catalogue of Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime using the LAVIE application, or just search for your favorite movie or TV show and then simply press play. The days of browsing different apps is over, the LAVIE system has one app to rule them all.

ipad app netflix.jpg

New Music Player

The new LAVIE app contains a visual music player no matter what information screen is shown. Weather you are playing music directly from the LAVIE app or if you are casting your own music using Spotify or Airplay you are always in controll.

DRM Content Support

The new LAVIE app uses the Widevine capable exoplayer to support the latest legal content provided by Mr Cinema.

Mr Cinema brings you the very latest available content curated exclusively for Super and Mega Yachts and is part of the Mr Smith group of companies.

superyacht av systems

Mr. Smith & LAVIE

Mr. Smith is a Dutch company with years of experience delivering easy to use full service entertainment and IT systems for super yachts. Mr. Smith has developed their own AV software platform under the brand LAVIE Systems. LAVIE Systems offers the most advanced solution in the industry.

User friendliness is at the core of everything that LAVIE Systems has developed. Everything is controlled by a carefully designed app for iPad, iPhone or iWatch. This enables guests, not only to play their preferred

entertainment, but also to control the entire on-board environment.

OUR TECHNOLOGY

LAVIE had originally been developed for use in high-end hotels and theme parks, replacing existing complex, bulky and expensive systems. LAVIE Systems has transformed this technology into the perfect on-board solution for all your media needs.

The logo of Mr. Smith, lAVIE. LAVIE stands for Light, Audio, Video, Internet and entertainment. The logo is textual and has curved and angular letters. The logo looks playful and professional.

Due to our covert operations we are not able to show all completed projects on our website. Feel free to contact our headquarters for more information about our completed missions.

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A Guide to Superyacht ETO and AV/IT Careers

superyacht av systems

Following on from our guides on superyacht   deck,   interior,   engineering and chef  careers , it’s time to get technical and clear up some confusion around the roles of an ETO and an AV/IT officer. To keep us on track with the latest training requirements for both, we spoke to Scott Molloy of SEACertify to get his input for this latest guide courtesy of the careers guidance platform,   Academy by Ephemeris.

What is the difference between the role of electro-technical officer (ETO) and that of superyacht AV/IT officer?

The AV/IT officer role generally encompasses interior automation, entertainment, IT and some satellite systems. Essentially, they oversee the technology systems beyond the remit of a traditional ETO, which is mainly marine electronics.

Before the Manila Amendments to STCW, superyachts interpreted the ETO role to include the ever-growing consumer technologies and IT on board, but it is now more important than ever to distinguish between the two roles.

In practice, an individual can fulfil either or both roles, however AV/IT has nothing to do with the role of the ETO - they are completely different.

What size of vessel would typically have both an ETO and an AV/IT officer?

Generally a superyacht longer than 90 metres almost always has a dedicated AV/IT officer.  Below this length, a vessel is likely to have a crew member in another position assume the AV/IT role.

Whether the vessel has an ETO is less size related, but falls under two general scenarios:

Where the vessel has an ETO dictated on its Safe Manning Document (SMD). A flag state such as Cayman Islands is more inclined to ask for an ETO ticket amongst the crew when the vessel has diesel-electric propulsion, rather than the size of the vessel or the number of guests/passengers on board.

There is no ETO on the SMD, but the vessel/management have otherwise decided there is a crewmember with the job title ETO, as originally stated in the MCA’s MSN 1860 (now revised to MSN 1860 Amendment 1 )

What qualifications do I need to become an ETO?

As for all crew working on board, to be a superyacht ETO you need to have completed your STCW basic safety training (a five day course) and have a valid ENG1 medical certificate.

The ETO’s remit was covered by a new Certificate of Competency (CoC) under regulation iii/6 of the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. All crew sailing under the job title of ETO should now hold this ticket.

Paragraph 1.5 of The MCA’s MSN 1860 Amendment 1  states that: “If you are employed on a ship as an ETO, you must hold an STCW ETO Certificate of Competency whether or not an ETO is listed on the SMD (safe manning document)”.

How long is the training to become an ETO and what does it involve?

The standard route (without a higher education in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent Electro-Technical subject) is currently three years.  A candidate requires sponsorship through a shipping company in order to complete five phases, split across college phases and sea time. The standard route leads to either a Foundation Degree or HND in Electronics and Marine Electrical Engineering. 

All of the academic subjects, short courses and sea time required are offered within the route to enable a candidate to apply for a Notice of Eligibility (NOE). Once they have this, they can then sit the MCA Oral exam and gain their ETO Certificate of Competency (CoC) if successful.

Candidates must currently obtain at least 12 months of combined sea time and workshop skills, and have completed a Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) Training Record Book (TRB) while on board ship.

For those candidates with a higher level Electrical Engineering qualification or equivalent, there is now a fast-track cadetship route , which can take 18-20 months. This route is currently only being offered at South Shields Marine School. Candidates require sponsorship or approval from a shipping company to complete required sea and workshop time on this route.

Individual requirements vary depending on prior studies/sea time experience, which can be assessed by the Marine School. If eligible for this route, they can produce an action plan for a candidate to follow in order to obtain the required pre-requisites for their NOE. Once they have their NOE, they can then sit the MCA Oral exam and gain their ETO Certificate of Competency (CoC) if successful in passing the exam.

Ephemeris ETOs 1

How do I progress through the ranks as an ETO?

Only some large superyachts are required to carry an ETO under their flag state’s safe manning requirements for the vessel. Other yachts may still choose to have an ETO to compliment their technical department. But with usually a maximum of one ETO on board some of the large yachts, there isn’t the same career progression on board you would see on larger vessels, such as cruise ships that have junior through to chief ETOs.

On superyachts, ETO career progression more often involves moving onto new positions with more responsibilities and an improved employment package on other vessels. In either case, it is essential to compliment the continuing on-the-job professional development with further short courses such as vendor-specific training or by gaining AV/IT skills also.

For those willing to gain an MCA SETO (Senior Electro-Technical Officer) endorsement in their CoC, this will assist in career progression also. 

This can be obtained as follows:

12 months' sea time as an ETO with an ETO CoC

HND/Advanced Diploma, Foundation Degree or Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

HELM(M) course completion certificate

High Voltage Management course certificate

Pass a SETO MCA oral exam

For more details on the SETO endorsement also see the MCA’s MSN 1860 Amendment 1.

With requirements in place for ETO certification, what is the current status for AV/IT training and certification?

A working group involving the relevant superyacht industry professional bodies and individuals has been developing a qualification framework for AV/IT training. This will result in crucial, yet non-mandatory, AV/IT training standards for the superyacht sector. The advantages include a new clear career pathway for superyacht AV/IT and also the creation of a new, easily recognised and industry-specific training standard. The most basic level of the qualification framework is close to launch, and once the independent assessment platform is finalised, may be completed within the next few months.

What is the working relationship between the ETO and the AV/IT officer?

On a vessel large enough to have both a dedicated ETO and AV/IT officer, they would both typically work under the chief engineer and be expected to assist each other as required, with some crossover of responsibilities possible. But most vessels are not large enough to have both as dedicated crewmembers, and they become roles. In these cases, the electrical/electronics role of the ETO and the technology role of the AV/IT officer fall to whichever other crew are deemed most suitable.

With thanks to Scott Molloy, Managing Director of  SEACertify  marine electronics training, and Spectral Marine , New Build AV/IT Consultancy.

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By SuperyachtNews 29 Aug 2017

AV systems training for crew

A new course focuses on teaching the most common maintenance tasks on the most common equipment….

Image for article AV systems training for crew

A new course launched by Just ETOs Ltd is bringing certified audio-visual (AV) systems training to crew and Electro-Technical officers (ETOs). The Yacht Entertainment Systems (YES) course is a three-day event run near Amsterdam. The course serves as an overview of the most commonly encountered system components, all integrated in an adapted media demonstration room.

The AV and control systems found on today’s superyachts can be sizeable and complex and, crucially, they’re a major part of the guest experience. Typically, it is recommended for ETOs to have experience with each main system component, yet this is difficult to obtain prior to joining a yacht. Additionally, AV training is not always available directly to crew and where it is, it can be time consuming and expensive. Specific manufacturers' courses can also go beyond what crew need as they are intended for those installing and programming systems regularly.

The Just ETOs course is aimed at engineers on a yacht without an ETO that need to know more about AV, and for those crew looking to brush up. The focus is teaching the most common maintenance tasks on the most common equipment. “AV system skills are a crucial and unique requirement in the yachting sector, yet these skills are constantly in very short supply,” explains Scott Molloy, managing director of Just ETOs. “Gaining AV skills and certification is a smart move.”

During the course, attendees look at equipment from market leaders such as Crestron, with an official Crestron CTI-Technician course included on the first day. Attendees will then also get overviews of Kaleidescape, Soundweb and KNX systems.

Crestron’s workshop aims to give the attendees the knowledge required to install and service a Crestron system. Covering the basics of communication through to firmware and programme uploads, this course is targeted at engineers who need key Crestron technical skills without programming knowledge. On completion of this class, attendees will gain the Crestron Technician Certification, and have the skills and confidence to successfully install and maintain a Crestron system.

Speaking exclusively to SuperyachtNews, Daniel Kerkhof, sales manager at Crestron, believes that this type of AV training is becoming increasingly important for superyacht crew. “A superyacht could be anywhere in the world, in a remote location where specialised technicians are unable to assist crew,” he says. “Crew need to have a bit more knowledge of the systems on board so that they can solve 80 per cent of problems themselves.”

He adds that technology is constantly evolving, meaning systems are getting more complicated, so it makes sense for crew to update their knowledge from time to time.

The Superyacht Forum, taking place from 13 to 16 November in Amsterdam, will include compelling design-focused discussions. To find out more and secure your place, click here .

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Online.  in class. on board., our training courses.

Our classes are designed and delivered by systems engineers with extensive experience onboard superyachts.  Click each course to visit the dedicated page.

1Day@SEA – Basic AV/IT Introduction for Superyacht Crew.  Online Only.  1 Day.

We developed 1Day@SEA after recognizing a basic AV/IT familiarization is beneficial to all crew.  Running regularly, you can even join this live online class from onboard.  The class includes useful entertainment, information and communication system know-how.  Additionally, the course is also suitable preparation for beginners thinking of attending more technical classes.  Click anywhere to read more.

Basic AVIT Training for Yacht Crew

AV@SEA  –  Yacht AV and Control Systems.  Online or in-class.  4 Days.

We cover the common systems, tasks and theory needed to become a competent operator of these crucial systems onboard superyachts.  Exclusively includes Crestron Superyacht Systems Technician certification.  Get relevant hands on experience with our extensive real world yacht AV systems.  Click anywhere to read more.

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*NEW!* Audio@SEA – Audio for Superyacht Crew.  Classroom Only.  2 Days.

Something is missing.  Typically the expensive onboard AV systems are installed, commissioned and maintained as “working OK”.  But too often, the most important thing is forgotten about.  We must never forget that ultimately, someone is supposed to receive amazing audio-visual experience.  But sadly often they don’t and this is what Audio@SEA is aimed at addressing.  Also exclusively includes the new Crestron Superyacht Audio Specialist certification.  Taught by an renowned audio engineer, Audio@SEA takes students from zero to the onboard audio hero.  Click anywhere to read more.

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IP@SEA – IP networks and Cisco systems.  Online or in-class.  3 Days.

This course gives crew a solid understanding of IP network fundamentals, together with familiarization of common administration and troubleshooting tasks on an onboard Cisco network.  All in-room systems, configurations and course documentation have a marine bias.  Click anywhere to read more.

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SATCOM@SEA – Satellite communications and TV.  Classroom Only.  2 Days.

Communications at sea is of critical importance.  This introduction to marine satellite communications and TV familiarises crew with operating the common VSAT and TVRO systems, and problems they are likely to encounter.  This class includes hand-on sessions with VSAT and TVRO antennas and control units.   Click anywhere to read more.

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The online course was definitely on the same high standard as an attendance course.  I gained a lot more knowledge relevant to real life scenarios and troubleshooting.

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