Navy Tests Thermal Camera System to Detect Sailors Overboard

Military Times reports that Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, is developing a Man Overboard Detection System that uses thermal cameras and video analytics to alert a ship's crew.

Snapshot

Military Times describes an early test by a naval engineering center of a thermal camera system meant to spot sailors who fall overboard, including a dummy drop from the Self Defense Test Ship, and notes its limits and lapsed funding. A maritime safety expert sees value in removing manpower and fatigue limits, while the outlet says false alarms, funding and realistic testing will decide its progress.

Key points

• Test: On Aug. 14, engineers set up four thermal cameras on two pedestals about 200 feet apart aboard the Self Defense Test Ship. They dropped a 6-foot, 35-pound vinyl dummy over the side.
• Limits: No bridge alarm was part of the test, and the cameras covered only part of the ship.
• Funding: The initial funding from the Naval Innovative Science and Engineering program has ended, and the team is seeking another source.
• Next step: The team's next goal is a test on a working guided-missile destroyer at San Diego.

Quick take

Mario Vittone, a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer and maritime safety expert, told Military Times the value is removing limits of manpower and fatigue. Military Times adds that false alarms remain a fundamental obstacle, and that progress depends on funding and testing under real conditions.

Read the full story at Military Times.