New VDL mini security system

The Seenite DRI Mini system consists of a high resolution thermal imager, high zoom day/night camera and powerful laser pointer within a stabilised platform enabling the user to detect and engage targets during day or night and in any sea state.

DRI stands for detection, recognition and identification. The system uses the full spectrum of optronic sensors to detect, recognise and identify marine traffic in a variety of light and weather conditions.

Brian Chivers, managing director, VDL, told Maritime Journal: “Unlike traditional observation systems, DRI is not focused on one technology but on many and its combination of sensors. But traditional DRI are not good at recognising and identifying things without an operator, but for what we believe is the first time, we’ve made it possible with our new system.”

He pointed out that the company has been continuously refining its technology over the 20 years its been in business.

Thermal imaging cameras traditionally use a low light camera which produces a green picture, but Seenite uses a black and white image – relatively new technology, which provides much finer detail.

This is combined with a HD full colour camera, which makes it easier to identify vessels and ID marks on a vessel – especially useful for customs and law enforcement operations.

Other assets of the system include a laser pointer which provides visible designation of a target location to other search and rescue or security operatives and a high zoom colour camera with a powerful 36x optical zoom lens which enables long range recognition of targets in daylight or low light conditions.

The system also has a full NMEA radar interface for tracking ARPA tracked targets or slaving to a vessel’s Electronic Bearing Line.

Mr Chivers continued: “No other system offers this type of performance. These systems are not mass produced – we tailor make each system according to the customers’ requirements. Customers are not restricted to one brand, we can choose suppliers so can pick the best technology on the market.”

He pointed out that the surveillance systems also stand the test of time. The firm recently had one system come in for repair after twenty years of use, just because a bearing went.

The company celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2014. VDL systems have been supplied to navies, coastal patrol vessels, fishery protection, commercial shipping and offshore oil industry support vessels.

By Anne-Marie Causer