KenBIT is involved in building six tugs designed to perform combat support and logistics missions at sea and in ports for the Polish Navy. In addition, these vessels support rescue operations, transport people and supplies, neutralise pollution, and are able to take hazardous materials and torpedoes aboard from the water.

Within KenBIT’s scope of responsibilities, these units are equipped with external communications systems—HF and VHF/UHF radio sets by Rohde&Schwarz, as well as a complete GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) suite. The second group of equipment for these vessels, for which KenBIT is responsible, consists of internal communications systems: automatic and batteryless telephones, the “AFRODYTA” duty and manoeuvring loudspeaker system, and the ship’s radio-television communication system.

As the first vessel in the series, tug H-3 “Leszko” was equipped with a completely new duty broadcast system “Afrodyta”, which was designed and fully built by KenBIT specifically for this project. The broadcast system combines the functions of one-way public address (PA) and two-way hands-free talk-back (T-B) for announcing messages and commands simultaneously on all loudspeaker and subscriber lines (party line) or on selected lines.

The PA GA (T-B) broadcast system installed on the tug meets the following requirements:

• broadcasting messages and commands to the crew to all open decks and compartments of the tug;
• enabling return communication from loudspeakers to the microphone panel;
• broadcasting alarm signals and general alarm (General Alarm) programmed according to the Ship’s Service Regulations or in line with IMO/SOLAS rules;
• playing back alarms initiated by fire, contamination, and gas detection systems.

The system includes the following components:

• control unit (CU);
• multi-channel power amplifier (PA);
• control unit display (LMP);
• microphone and control panel MCS 20 in either desk-top or wall-mounted configuration;
• alarm activation panel ACM 8 in either desk-top or wall-mounted configuration;
• cabin loudspeakers with a return-communication module MSB 1;
• deck subscriber boxes with a return-communication module MSB 2;
• deck subscriber boxes with a return-communication module MSB 3;
• API (Access Panel Interface) connection panel.

Most of the “Afrodyta” duty broadcast system’s executive elements were designed and manufactured by KenBIT. As a result, the broadcast system can be tailored to the Owner’s individual needs. Depending on the class of the vessel, the number of certain elements may vary to meet the system communication requirements and operational needs of the unit, as well as the specific tasks carried out by the vessel.

Before installation on tug H-3 “Leszko”, the “Afrodyta” duty broadcast system underwent comprehensive, multi-week testing and mechanical, environmental, and electromagnetic trials at certified research centres accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA). Ultimately, the product met the requirements set by the Polish Register of Ships and received a Type Approval Certificate: TE/1001/880575/21.