Security cordon shocks intruders

A MARINE version of electric security fencing is now available for use as a deterrent to unwanted intruders. The system has been developed and patented by Dutch company Secure-marine and is based on systems used to secure prisons and military establishments. In effect the system is a simple electric fence which is carried on stanchions attached horizontally to the ships rail, meaning that any potential intruder will be forced to climb around and over it to gain access to the ship’s deck. In attempting this, the intruder will be shocked by the 9,000 v pulsating current that the fence carries and will also activate any of the optional sound and light warning and detection systems that can be attached. Because the current is pulsating the shock will not be lethal but it would force most people to release their hold on it.

Secure-Marine has installed the system on a ship and tested it at sea in adverse weather conditions and it is confident that its effectiveness is not compromised when immersed in waves and spray, and that it does not affect personnel on the ship. Initial installation can take up to three days depending on the size of the ship and involves attaching the stanchion brackets to the rail, connecting the stanchions and then the conducting cable itself. Once rigged, the fence can be collapsed against the side of the ship when not required and re-erected in a matter of hours. Zones that can be isolated are built into the system over pilot ladders and gangways.

As well as the 9,000 v deterrent current there is a 12 v detect current that when disrupted – as might happen if an intruder used cutters – activates the alarm system switching on floodlights and sirens, which, the company claims, acts as a deterrent as well as an alarm.