Vibrations monitoring on board ship with a fiber optic sensors

Ship´s vibration are caused by the propeller, engine and auxiliary machinery, bow thruster and effects of the sea. Vibrations can be so high that it provides discomfort on board and make damage to ship´s hull, machinery and equipments. During recent years fiberoptic sensors have gained increasing interest in the field of ship monitoring. Fiber optic sensors have been used in a wide variety of applications; from monitoring machinery conditions to ship´s hull strength monitoring. The main goal of this paper is to define a vibration real monitoring system needed to detect dangerous ship´s vibrations early enough to take suitable precautions. Collected data will be enabled to make an integrated ship´s system to control ship´s running. Real time monitoring vibrations system with optical fiber sensors located on the selected position provide knowledge about vibrations on ship´s superstructure, bow, and in the engine room. Also the vibrations monitoring system can help in the optimization of ship´s design, provide maximum ship operational availability, and avoid possible damage.