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Displaying items by tag: Cobra Radio

With all the uncertainty around Brexit, O’Sullivan’s Marine have been pro-active in securing a level of consistency and reliability of supply of various ranges of marine products that are traditionally shipped into Ireland from the UK.

The first line to be announced for sole distribution in Ireland by O’Sullivan’s Marine is Cobra Marine Radios. When it comes to the latest VHF radios, nothing comes close to a Cobra.

cobra

When heading out on the water, a fixed-mount VHF radio is vital for communication and safety. With advanced safety features, easy menu navigation, and 24 hr access to emergency alerts and broadcasts, Cobra’s got you covered. With advanced features like Rewind-Say-Again® so you’ll never miss a VHF call, Radio check – checks battery transmitting voltage, RF power output and antenna integrity. Submersible for 30 minutes in 1.5m deep water which meets IPX8/JIS8 standards. With noise-cancelling microphone to block background noise for clearer communication and PA function for public address to an external speaker.

The MRF57B (pictured top) is a powerful Class D DSC VHF radio perfect for short or long-range communication, Plug and play GPS capable. The MRF77B is Cobra’s most advanced fixed radio, a unique VHF radio with an integrated GPS receiver and exact location for a true life-saving device.

MRHH600B stra 800xThe advanced HH600 model with built-in GPS

Cobra also offers a range of FIVE Hand Held VHF radios, from the entry-level HH125, perfect for recreational boaters or as a portable backup on larger vessels. The backlit LCD and keypad allows use in low light conditions and will turn off automatically to conserve battery power. Includes 1 or 3 watts, Large, bright LCD display, Compact waterproof design, 5 x 850 mAh AAA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries. It can also be used with 5 standard AAA alkaline batteries in emergencies. Features 1 or 3 Watts Dual output power for short and long communication. From this basic radio, Cobra offers HH150, HH350, HH500 each floating handheld with their own unique features, through to the advanced HH600 model with built-in GPS. View exact coordinates, transmit your location, and use its Bluetooth® capabilities to keep your phone safe and dry. The added flashlight with emergency strobe ensures you can always be found. Rewind-Say-Again®Automatically records the last 20 seconds of VHF calls so you can always playback what you missed. Selectable Power - Select between 1, 3 and 6 watts of output power for short and long-range communication, with Crystal clear, illuminated display which makes it easy to read your radio. 

O’Sullivan’s Marine are proud to be able to offer Cobra products to the Irish market, for more detailed information on pricing and model features, visit www.osmarine.ie, or contact 066-7124524 – Trade enquiries: please email [email protected].

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine

Ferry & Car Ferry News The ferry industry on the Irish Sea, is just like any other sector of the shipping industry, in that it is made up of a myriad of ship operators, owners, managers, charterers all contributing to providing a network of routes carried out by a variety of ships designed for different albeit similar purposes.

All this ferry activity involves conventional ferry tonnage, 'ro-pax', where the vessel's primary design is to carry more freight capacity rather than passengers. This is in some cases though, is in complete variance to the fast ferry craft where they carry many more passengers and charging a premium.

In reporting the ferry scene, we examine the constantly changing trends of this sector, as rival ferry operators are competing in an intensive environment, battling out for market share following the fallout of the economic crisis. All this has consequences some immediately felt, while at times, the effects can be drawn out over time, leading to the expense of others, through reduced competition or takeover or even face complete removal from the marketplace, as witnessed in recent years.

Arising from these challenging times, there are of course winners and losers, as exemplified in the trend to run high-speed ferry craft only during the peak-season summer months and on shorter distance routes. In addition, where fastcraft had once dominated the ferry scene, during the heady days from the mid-90's onwards, they have been replaced by recent newcomers in the form of the 'fast ferry' and with increased levels of luxury, yet seeming to form as a cost-effective alternative.

Irish Sea Ferry Routes

Irrespective of the type of vessel deployed on Irish Sea routes (between 2-9 hours), it is the ferry companies that keep the wheels of industry moving as freight vehicles literally (roll-on and roll-off) ships coupled with motoring tourists and the humble 'foot' passenger transported 363 days a year.

As such the exclusive freight-only operators provide important trading routes between Ireland and the UK, where the freight haulage customer is 'king' to generating year-round revenue to the ferry operator. However, custom built tonnage entering service in recent years has exceeded the level of capacity of the Irish Sea in certain quarters of the freight market.

A prime example of the necessity for trade in which we consumers often expect daily, though arguably question how it reached our shores, is the delivery of just in time perishable products to fill our supermarket shelves.

A visual manifestation of this is the arrival every morning and evening into our main ports, where a combination of ferries, ro-pax vessels and fast-craft all descend at the same time. In essence this a marine version to our road-based rush hour traffic going in and out along the commuter belts.

Across the Celtic Sea, the ferry scene coverage is also about those overnight direct ferry routes from Ireland connecting the north-western French ports in Brittany and Normandy.

Due to the seasonality of these routes to Europe, the ferry scene may be in the majority running between February to November, however by no means does this lessen operator competition.

Noting there have been plans over the years to run a direct Irish –Iberian ferry service, which would open up existing and develop new freight markets. Should a direct service open, it would bring new opportunities also for holidaymakers, where Spain is the most visited country in the EU visited by Irish holidaymakers ... heading for the sun!