Navigation bonus from thermal imaging camera
The Genoa Pilot Corps has put a thermal imaging camera on board one its pilot boats in order to locate as quickly as possible any pilot that might fall between vessels during a transfer.
The Genoa Pilot Corps chose the FLIR M-324XP equipped with a maintenance free uncooled microbolometer detector to produce crisp thermal images of 320 by 240 pixels. Joystick operation allows the captain of the pilot boat to rotate the unit through 360° continuously and to tilt it to plus or minus 90°. The thermal images produced are displayed on a dedicated screen at the helm position.
Although the main reason for installing the camera was MOB search and rescue, the Genoa Pilot Corps quickly discovered other uses. Mounted on the mast of the vessel, the unit is being used to help the captain navigate safely to incoming commercial vessels as all traffic is clearly visible on the thermal image.
Thermal imaging cameras do not need light to produce a crisp image, making it useful at night. But neither is the camera blinded by bright sunlight or reflected sunlight upon the water. The camera also sees through light fog and in most weather conditions.
Positive feedback from the first installation has led the Genoa Pilot Corps to put FLIR thermal imaging cameras on its other vessels.
