JAXPORT Selects Equipment Manufactured by ATI Systems for its Port Mass Notification System

JAXPORT (Jacksonville Port Authority) selected a port mass notification system that includes equipment manufactured by ATI Systems, an industry leader in this field.  ATI Systems is working with Mission Critical Solutions (MCS of Tampa), Jacksonville Sound & Communications, and AtHoc on this project. This system will provide real-time, dynamic information to everyone on the property and in the immediate vicinity during emergencies.

This mass notification system design has numerous means of communication: a high power speaker array for audio warnings, dynamic messaging signage for visual alerts, and an electronic alerting system which includes text messaging and email.  ATI Systems will provide outdoor audio communication in the form of seven stationary, and one mobile, high powered speaker station.  The speaker stations at JAXPORT are controlled by IP based interfaces, which provide flexibility with a maximum of security.  By using IP/Ethernet interfaces, the ATI Systems equipment is able to communicate through numerous different pathways, including: fiber optic, microwave, WiFi, cellular, and DSL.

The IP based interfaces also allow various different types of equipment to communicate together.  The dynamic messaging signage is controlled through an ATI Systems’ Remote Terminal Unit (RTU).  The signs are in different locations than the speakers and use the RTU to communicate their status to the central stations and receive instructions and messages to display.  This way, emergency preparedness officials can activate the signs and speakers simultaneously from a central location, and broadcast the appropriate message for the emergency.

Each speaker station provides 1600 watts of audio power and can broadcast live voice public address announcements as well as prerecorded digital messages and tones.  This gives the system the capability to both warn personnel at the site, as well as informing them about the specific reason for the alert, and the suggested response to it.  The ATI Systems speaker design provides exceptionally high voice intelligibility to help ensure an appropriate and orderly response to any emergency.

The system’s mobile high powered speaker station is mounted on a sturdy trailer that can be pulled by a vehicle to any location.  It is also capable of delivering tone notifications, pre-recorded messages and/or live public address announcements.  The mobile speaker station is equipped with a 22 foot telescoping pole and expanding leveling jacks for stability.

All of the speaker stations provided by ATI Systems will be powered by a solar panel package with battery backup.  In addition to being energy efficient, this configuration insures that the speakers can operate effectively in an emergency, even in the event of an electrical power failure.  The central control stations also have battery backup, and are configured with ATI Systems’ MassAlert® software. Its advanced graphics and monitoring capability contributes to a simple, intuitive interface, which is easy to use even in the most stressful emergency situations.

JAXPORT is located on the St Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a diversified port for global trade and intermodal transportation.  Their comprehensive security program is designed to meet mandates of the Federal “Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002, and features some of the nation’s strictest port security measures.  This mass notification system will be located at the Blount Island, Talleyrand, and Dames Point Marine Terminals at JAXPORT in and is expected to be substantially completed by May 24, 2012.

ATI specializes in port mass notification and offers unique adaption to its systems to serve the unique needs of ports cross the world. With traffic levels skyrocketing year over year, ports are playing an ever increasingly important roll in todays global economies making the need for flexible and advanced port mass notification systems more and more vital to the success of both day to day operations as well as maintaining port’s critical communications in the face of natural disasters.