The Dublin-based installer 911 Security Systems has fitted door controllers, proximity readers and cards from Access Control Technology (ACT) as part of a marine access control solution with 3,500 users. A unified system is operating internationally across 40 doors, with ferry staff at the ports of Dublin, and Cherbourg, using their access control cards in both countries.
The equipment is at buildings run by Irish Ferries, and crew with access rights can present their credentials at the ferry company’s facilities in the Republic of Ireland and France.
The access system relies on ACTpro 1030e proximity readers and ACTpro 4000 door controllers. The readers are slim-line (a concern at any transport hub where space is limited) and they support Wiegand/Clock-and-Data output. Crucially, the readers’ IP67 rating offers protection against water, salt and other contaminants likely to be found at a port.
The harbour terminals are also using ACTpro 4000 two-door controllers which are designed for high-traffic volumes where changes to the cardholder database are a regular occurrence. Networkable up to 4000 doors via door stations, the ACTpro 4000 can manage up to 60,000 users. These controllers offer data reading and encoding which allow ACT’s control software to work alongside a user’s core personnel/enrolment system.
ACT’s access management software is giving Irish Ferries a system with a hierarchy of access rights for staff members according to job profile. The database allows distinctions to be made between crew responsibilities, areas of onboard and land-based activity as well as basic criteria such as seniority and likely shift patterns. User data and access privileges are recorded on ACTProx Duo Cards which can be used on a proximity or mag stripe basis.
Paul Keegan, Operations and Sales Manager at 911 Security Systems, said: “Timed zones and role-specific access groups have been set up in both Dublin and Cherbourg with distinctions being made between office areas, workshops and the secure side of the port which includes turnstiles. ACT’s anti-passback measures give additional protection and all the controllers have individual IP addresses. The upgrade from a previous ACT system has been smooth and in addition to securing the two harbour sites, the end-user can generate reports on staff movements across vast quayside areas as well as the logistics of employee activity in the passenger terminals. There is potential for using these movement reports for time and attendance purposes.”
About the installer, user
Dublin-based 911 Security Systems operate in sectors including access control, intruder alarms, CCTV and intercoms. The company is active in areas including education, transport, retail, youth custodial, healthcare and pharmaceuticals with products and services complying to EN 50131-1 Standard.
Irish Ferries has operations including passenger and freight routes between Ireland and the United Kingdom (Rosslare to Pembroke and Dublin to Holyhead) as well as the continental route described here, Dublin to Cherbourg, which is served by MS Oscar Wilde, pictured, a vessel with a dead weight tonnage of 5,250, length of 166.3 metres and draught of 6.5m. Maximum speed is 26 knots and capacity is 1,440 passengers and 700 cars.
