Keeping watch around the clock
A major security issue for any vessel is when it is left unattended – vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and breakdown or even presenting the possibilities of being stolen or sunk. A new system from Vasari Technology promises to keep a watch on your vessel whether it is manned or not.
Very often it is necessary to moor a vessel in an unguarded location, or the security of the berth is questionable; security patrols are random or nonexistent and shore based CCTV out of range. Accessed from a mobile phone, tablet or office PC, the i-Seasystem is designed to monitor a vessel continuously; any abnormality triggering an alert which can be sent to an operator anywhere in the world
The system utilises high definition cameras to monitor activity from strategic locations on board. Once motion is detected, recording begins. For extra security, it has a constantly updating memory which can record before and after the motion event to ensure the vessel owner can capture everything, and sensitivity controls add an extra level of flexibility. In addition the system can monitor all on-board data, such as GPS position, tank levels, local ARPA & AIS returns, in fact any NMEA data can be monitored and relayed to a remote operator. The sophisticated video management software can also be defined with standard motion detection or electronic trip wires. Areas can even be masked out, so acceptable movement in designated areas can be ignored.
In the event of an abnormal event or at set times during the day, the system can communicate with the vessel owner in various ways. The system can send an SMS text message, or an email or Windows Messaging message or even FTP uploads to a remote desktop, these can have snap shots attached to see what instigated the event. The key to the i-Sea system is that the vessel owner can then connect directly to the vessel to establish the current status. Cameras can be viewed in real time, sensors interrogated – the system can even send commands to control items, i.e., turn on lights, switch bilge pumps on, lock doors etc. This can be achieved from any location regardless of distance, as long as a communication link can be established. This can be via Wi-Fi, 3g or 4g link and utilising enhanced network domain naming, the vessel can be monitored regardless of its location.
The system promises to instantly make vessel owners aware of intruders climbing aboard, vandals interfering with moorings, thieves breaking in, as well as a host of other risks. Along with the comfort of knowing the status of the vessel, the i-Sea system can also record all activity, which can then be used as evidence for any criminal proceedings.
By Jake Frith
