Radio Holland retrofits US training ship bridge systems

RH Marine Group subsidiary Radio Holland has equipped California Maritime Academy’s training ship Golden Bear with the latest JRC bridge equipment as part of a major retrofit programme. This was completed during the fourth quarter of 2015 under a contract from the United States Maritime Administration (Marad).

Radio Holland removed the old bridge systems and installed JRC radar and ecdis on the training ship in less than three weeks during November. It then received approval from the US Coastguard and California Maritime Academy. Golden Bear’s commanding officer Captain Harry Bolton said the bridge equipment will enhance cadet training on the ship. “The latest radar and ecdis technology on the bridge will allow our cadets to step on the bridge of any modern ship and be better prepared to operate these sophisticated navigation systems,” he said. Radio Holland will also provide training for the cadets on the vessel’s new systems, and conduct maintenance on bridge equipment, including new gyro compasses, in the future.