Flag Victor validates WatchStander technology

The WatchStander system was originally developed for the US naval fleet but has been modified and adapted for use by commercial vessels, cruise ships and yachts. The fully automated system detects and identifies pirates before launching a series of non-lethal counter measures.

The system has already received praise from several senior naval personnel, including Admiral Mark Fitzgerald (Ret.), former Commander of the US Naval Forces Europe and US Naval Forces Africa

He said: “I’ve been aware of this type of surveillance, recognition and defence technology for some time. The fact that it can now be used to defend the world’s commercial fleets is a major leap forward in the fight against maritime piracy. It is a perfect example of how military innovation can crossover to deliver a very important new civil purpose. The development teams have shown the benefits to be derived from collaboration.”

WatchStander can be quickly installed on vessels of all sizes and provides a legal and non-lethal answer to the growing problem of violent attacks on ships and their crews. The system works by accurately identifying pirate craft at long range and launching an automatic and unmanned defence at several miles range that becomes progressively more robust if the attacker fails to withdraw.

Tests have shown WatchStander to be accurate and reliable in identifying pirate craft and distinguishing them from other non-threatening vessels. A series of successful on-water demonstrations showing WatchStander at work in real life simulations has recently taken place in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. These were conducted under scrutiny by independent observers from the commercial shipping industry, prominent US governmental officials and representatives of The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University which has a long and established partnership with the US Navy on the development of defence related technologies.