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“... since the monitoring network was installed, we have re- corded a sudden drop in temperature of 8°C in just 5 minutes at the port of Armadale on the Isle of Skye, and a maximum wind gust of 96 knots at Castlebay on the Isle of Barra.”

RLS, a non-contact sensor employing cess the data directly, instead of having pulse radar technology with a large 35m to call the port of? ce for a verbal update. measurement range. The OTT monitoring network also incor-

Both the RLS and the weather sensors, porates an email alert system, and whilst which have no moving parts, have ex- this has not yet been con? gured, it will tremely low power consumption, which be possible in the future for ferry mas- is vitally important for installations at ters to receive email alerts warning them remote sites. At two locations it was not when pre-speci? ed port conditions arise. possible to install a radar sensor so an “We would also like to eventually

OTT CBS (bubbler sensor) was installed make the data available to the public as providing comparable levels of accuracy part of an enhanced harbors informa- and reliability. tion system,” McHardie said. “However,

Now that the CMAL monitoring sys- when a ferry has berthed, with the moni- tem is installed, McHardie is looking for toring system being located on the pier, ways to leverage the value of the data. the vessel can cause a wind shadow;

For example, radio data transmission which means the wind data during that works well over water, so it should be period can be potentially misleading. It possible to ? t the same technology on has to be remembered that this system ferries so that the ferry Masters can ac- remains only an aid to navigation.” (Continued from page 27)

Remote monitoring and control capa- • Each sensor has speci? c capabilities bility sending sensor data and control and limitations. The multi-type sen- messages over low-bandwidth radio and sor approach will achieve consistent satellite links provide owner/operators performance under all conditions.

of platforms an additional surveillance • A surveillance system secure from capability. interceptors, or cyber attacks is par- amount.

Conclusion • Ongoing customer support gener-

A primary goal of a robust SA system ates a valuable feedback loop. Ex- is to sharpen the operator’s perception of perienced operators can provide the surrounding environmental elements SA system improvement requests with respect to time and/or space. Expe- contributing to tailored system en- rienced operators of robust SA systems hancements. ? nd them essential to surveillance, de- • Multi-mission support capability tection, classi? cation, identi? cation and using a set of processing and display potentially prosecution of a target. En- ? lters allow each operator to see the gineering companies that provide soft- pertinent information they have re- ware that produces organized data fusion quested for their mission.

from multiple sources essentially create • With a worldwide movement to- a reduced operator workload, enhanced wards minimal manning and the decision-making and essential mission need to provide 360 degree protec- management. tion for vessels and offshore plat-

Essential concepts for developing a forms, the future in maritime se- maritime surveillance system are pro- curity systems lies in sophisticated vided in this article. A review of some of alerting capabilities. the key points are provided below:

The Author • The ? rst challenge in developing maritime surveillance systems is

Marianne Molchan is President of understanding and de? ning the cus-

Molchan Marine Sciences (MMS) and tomer’s problem and performance a retired Navy Commander. MMS sup- requirements. ports the development, evaluation and • Determining the most appropriate implementation of maritime safety and sensors and sensor placement for security technology systems for clients the surveillance system requires worldwide. seasoned sensor integrators.

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