RANCANG BANGUN PROTOTIPE SISTEM BALLAST CONTROL BERBASIS INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) UNTUK REAL-TIME MONITORING DAN REMOTE CONTROLLING

Abstract

The ballast system is a crucial subsystem on ships, functioning to maintain stability and balance through water distribution in ballast tanks. However, manual monitoring via sounding pipes has limitations in providing continuous and real-time tank condition information, potentially leading to delays in operational decision-making. This study aims to design and build an integrated ballast monitoring and control prototype based on Internet of Things (IoT), as well as to evaluate its technical performance including communication latency, safety logic reliability, and user acceptance. This research employs the Research and Development (R&D) method with a Prototyping Model approach. The system was developed using ESP32 microcontroller, HY-SRF05 ultrasonic sensors, actuators consisting of a pump and six solenoid valves, and a web dashboard interface based on Google Firebase Realtime Database. Testing was conducted through ballast operational simulations (filling, discharging, and water transfer) as well as error scenarios to validate Smart Interlock logic. Evaluation involved 2 expert validators and 20 respondent students/crew members using a Likert-scale questionnaire. The results showed that the prototype was successfully built and functioned according to specifications. Latency testing indicated response times consistently below 1 second. The Smart Interlock system proved 100% effective in preventing dry-run, overfill, and deadhead conditions, and was able to switch to local mode when internet connection was lost (fail-safe). User validation results showed a feasibility level of 93.7% with the category "Highly Appropriate". This prototype is feasible for use as a learning medium and as an initial model for digitalizing ship ballast monitoring systems.