Marine Communication Systems & Marine Electronics
Marine Electronics
The marine electronics and communication equipment we supply is selected for use in demanding maritime environments, with suitable products available for exposure to moisture, vibration and changing weather conditions. This gives commercial and leisure vessels reliable performance, whether operating locally, offshore, or across busy shipping routes.
Marine Electronics, Navigation and Ship-to-Shore Communication Specialists
Marine communication systems keep vessels connected, support safe navigation, and enable crews to contact other vessels, coastguards, marinas, and harbour authorities. These systems can include VHF radio, AIS, GMDSS equipment, EPIRBs, SARTs, navigation equipment, and other onboard safety technologies.
Smye-Rumsby supplies, installs, services, and repairs professional marine electronics for the commercial and leisure maritime industry. We work on vessels ranging from small rigid inflatables and leisure boats to commercial trawlers, ferries, and cargo ships.
For many years, we have supported cross-Channel ferry operators based in Dover. Our marine engineers respond to urgent equipment failures and critical faults around the clock. Because downtime at sea can be costly, we prioritise fast fault diagnosis, reliable communication, and practical solutions that help vessels return to operation safely.
By working closely with trusted industry suppliers, we offer competitive pricing on marine communication equipment, navigation systems, radar, autopilot systems, power supplies, and sea safety equipment. We also provide installation, fault diagnosis, repairs, testing, and ongoing maintenance.
Whether you require a complete vessel electronics refit, ongoing maintenance, equipment testing, or a single repair, our experienced team provides an efficient and reliable service. We can also use diagnostic tools such as SR NMEA Watch to identify NMEA 0183 and AIS communication faults during installation and fault-finding.
Marine Safety, Satellite Communications and Distress Signalling Systems
Whether operating offshore, in coastal waters, or on inland waterways, reliable communication is essential. Conditions at sea can change quickly, so vessels need dependable systems for routine coordination, navigation safety, and emergencies.
We supply and install marine navigation and communication systems used to contact coastguards, marinas, harbour authorities, and other vessels. VHF radio supports ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication, including routine calls, safety messages, and distress signalling.
Depending on the vessel and its operating area, marine communication systems may also include MF/HF radio, AIS, satellite terminals, and satellite communications. These technologies enable vessels to transmit and receive signals over longer distances, helping them maintain secure, reliable communication beyond the normal coverage of shore stations.
Our engineers inspect, service, test, and maintain:
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment
EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons)
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
SARTs (Search and Rescue Transponders)
VHF and lifeboat radios
Internal communication systems
These systems play a vital role in supporting effective communication between crew members on board during routine operations and emergencies.
GMDSS, EPIRB and SART Marine Distress and Safety Systems
GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) is an international framework for maritime distress alerting and safety communication. The equipment required depends on factors such as the vessel type, operating area, and applicable regulations.
The system uses technologies including VHF, MF/HF radio, satellite communications, EPIRBs, and SARTs to help ships send distress alerts and communicate with shore-based facilities and other vessels. GMDSS defines four sea areas, from A1 coastal coverage to A4 areas outside the coverage of recognised satellite services.
For VHF distress communication, Digital Selective Calling uses Channel 70, while distress, urgency, and initial voice calls are made on Channel 16. MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SÉCURITÉ are used for distress, urgency, and safety messages respectively.
EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) – An EPIRB transmits a distress alert via satellites if a vessel sinks or faces a serious emergency. Float-free models can activate automatically when released from their housing.
SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) – A SART helps nearby rescue vessels locate a survival craft by producing a response that can be detected and displayed on compatible radar equipment.
Marine Electronics Workshop for Kent’s Maritime Industry
Smye-Rumsby has worked in the marine electronics and maritime communications industry for over seventy years.
Alongside marine electronics repairs, we can arrange the fabrication of specialist parts in stainless steel, aluminium, and other suitable materials. Each component is selected to provide a durable, professional finish in demanding marine environments and to help protect equipment against corrosion.
Our specialist marine electronics engineers are equipped to diagnose radio communication problems and faults across navigation, safety, and onboard communication equipment. Dedicated marine radio systems are more suitable than mobile phones for critical ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication, particularly where mobile coverage is limited.
Where longer-range connectivity is required, satellite communication systems can support voice and data services beyond conventional shore coverage. Our engineers work throughout Kent and further afield, including Tilbury Docks, the Port of London, Whitstable Harbour, the Port of Dover, Hastings Harbour, and wind farms off the Kent coast.
For commercial and leisure vessels, our engineers install, service, test, and repair equipment from a wide range of manufacturers, including:
- Integrated bridge systems (IBS)
- Radar and ECDIS
- Gyrocompasses
- Echo sounders
- NAVTEX equipment
- VHF, MF/HF, and satellite communication systems
- AIS and marine tracking equipment
Marine safety equipment should be readily accessible and maintained in accordance with the requirements that apply to the vessel and its operating area. This may include approved distress signalling equipment, EPIRBs, SARTs, and visual distress signals.
AIS also supports safer navigation by transmitting and receiving vessel data. Its tracking features give crews the ability to improve situational awareness around other vessels.
Download SR NMEA Watch for NMEA and AIS Testing
SR NMEA Watch is a simple, portable Windows application for viewing and testing NMEA 0183 and AIS data from marine equipment.
The application connects to a serial data source through a built-in COM port or a USB-to-serial converter and displays live data as it is transmitted. Engineers can use it to diagnose communication faults, verify equipment configuration, and test connections during installation, maintenance, or fault-finding.
SR NMEA Watch displays raw NMEA data, identifies the sentence types being received, and highlights checksum errors or missing information. Users can show or hide individual sentence types to focus on the data relevant to each test.
AIS messages are automatically decoded and displayed in a clear target list, making it easier to confirm that transmissions are being received correctly.
The application requires no installation and runs as a single portable executable. It can be stored on a USB drive and used wherever it is needed.
Free to download. Easy to use. Designed for practical marine electronics testing.
Why Choose Smye-Rumsby?
Smye-Rumsby has provided marine electronics and communication services for more than seventy years. From our base near the Port of Dover, we support commercial operators, leisure boat owners, ports, harbours, and vessels across Kent and the South East.
Our engineers combine practical marine experience with specialist knowledge of VHF radio, radar, AIS, GMDSS equipment, navigation systems, and satellite communications. Whether the work involves a complete installation, urgent fault diagnosis, routine maintenance, or equipment testing, we provide a reliable service tailored to the vessel and its operating requirements.
Summary
Smye-Rumsby supplies, installs, services, and repairs marine communication systems and navigation equipment for commercial and leisure vessels. Our services cover VHF and MF/HF radio, satellite communications, AIS, radar, GMDSS equipment, EPIRBs, SARTs, autopilot systems, and onboard electronics.
We also provide fault diagnosis, workshop repairs, specialist fabrication, equipment testing, and practical support across Kent and surrounding maritime locations. Contact our team to discuss a new installation, electronics refit, maintenance requirement, or urgent repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What marine communication systems do you install?
We install and support VHF radio, MF/HF radio, AIS, satellite communications, GMDSS equipment, internal communication systems, and other ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication equipment. The most suitable system depends on the vessel, its operating area, and the communication range required.
Do you repair marine electronics?
Yes. Our engineers diagnose, service, test, and repair marine communication, navigation, radar, AIS, and onboard electronic equipment. We can provide workshop repairs or attend vessels at ports, harbours, docks, and other locations where required.
What is the difference between VHF and MF/HF marine radio?
VHF radio is commonly used for shorter-range communication between vessels and shore stations. MF/HF radio can support communication over longer distances and may be required as part of a vessel’s GMDSS equipment, depending on its operating area and regulatory requirements.
Do you install satellite communication systems?
Yes. We install and support satellite communication equipment for vessels requiring voice or data connectivity beyond conventional shore-based coverage. The appropriate satellite terminals and services depend on the vessel’s route, operational needs, and required coverage.
What is GMDSS?
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System is an international framework that uses radio and satellite technologies to support distress alerts and safety communication at sea. The equipment carried by a vessel depends on its type, operating area, and applicable regulations.
Can SR NMEA Watch test real marine equipment?
Yes. SR NMEA Watch connects to real NMEA 0183 and AIS equipment through a serial connection. It displays live data, identifies received sentence types, highlights checksum problems, and decodes AIS messages for practical testing and fault diagnosis.