Electro-optic cameras and CCTV

Radars provide a primary means of detection, while cameras provide a primary means of identifying vessels and objects and as such are important sensors for surveillance. Whereas radar only provides a signal to locate a target, the camera can help identify the object or vessel to help determine its identity and if it presents a threat. It is therefore vital to use the best available optical sensors to:

• Extend the range of identification
• Increase the time available to respond to any threat
• Reduce the resources required to identify the target

Thermal Cameras

The most commonly used camera technology used in maritime surveillance are thermal cameras. These sense the temperature difference of various objects and are very good at differentiating hot objects from a cooler background and are particularly useful for picking out humans in a security and surveillance environment or for search and rescue. Thermal cameras have limitations on the actual detail you can see. Where detail is required we use different technology to achieve the identification of targets.

Ultra long range cameras

Where recognition and identification of targets at long range is needed (e.g. identification of vessel name or number), we have ultra-long range cameras that can produce CCTV quality images. These cameras use laser gated technology to see further than any other camera with identification of a target at up to 10km. These cameras are used by Government agencies and in situations where high risks exist and vessels need to be identified as early as possible.

CCTV

CCTV can be used for short range applications where local vessels may need to be identified, up to a few km. For night time use, there are LED modules or laser illumination to provide identification of vessels approaching ports, offshore platforms etc.