Results of a survey of electrical interference problems on commercial fishing vessels

The Canadian Center for Marine Communications (CCMC) surveyed electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) related problems on commercial fishing vessels under 20 meters. 22 vessels of metallic and nonmetallic construction were involved. The goal of the survey was to provide information on the electrical condition of these vessels. The necessary data was obtained by performing electrical noise measurements. The results show, for a high percentage of cases that marine electrical equipment does not have adequate electrical noise suppression, and that many autopilot systems are susceptible to high frequency single side band transmitters.