Crewcall keeps crewmembers in touch

Those who go to sea, whether for work or holiday, have always suffered from poor and slow communications facilities when trying to maintain contact with friends and relations ashore. This situation is about to undergo a dramatic change, says UK-based AND Group, with the introduction of ANDcrewcall, a state of the art multi-media satellite terminal using the mini-M satellite system. Ships? crews have long desired unlimited private access to a telephone while on board but, until now, the conflict of business and private use has prevented any wide scale provision of such a service, says AND. The communications system will offer a wide range of services including e-mail, Internet, catalogue shopping, company newsletters and training facilities. An interesting service is that traditional mail can also be handled. The crew member creates the letter and transmits it to AND?s office, where it will be posted. Other facilities include entertainment and games, Internet browsing and video jukebox options. ANDcrewcall makes it possible for ship managers and owners to meet the need of crewmembers and passengers for direct access to calling facilities, while they themselves remain free of financial and administrative responsibilities, says AND. Users of the service buy airtime debit cards from the bonded store onboard and each crew member is accorded a unique account number protected by a personally generated password. The card is then uploaded to the account entitling the crew member to purchase goods or services up to the amount authorised on the account. This eliminates the need to maintain call logs and collect payment from individual users. AND provides all the equipment free of charge including installation and maintenance support. The system comprises of a free standing or wall mounted multimedia kiosk terminal linked to a mini-M terminal and can be located anywhere onboard to allow for privacy or specific access requirements. Should a vessel?s circumstances change, there is simple no cost termination clauses in the contract allowing the return or transfer of the equipment. The fully upgradeable equipment is also supported for at least five years from date of manufacture while all units come with a lifetime free labour and parts warranty on a return to base system, says AND. n