The Impact of the Improved Search Object Detection on the SAR Action Success Probability in Maritime Transport

Abstract

This paper presents the investigations on the improvement of search object detection during search and rescue (SAR) action at sea using thermal imaging and radar sensors. The introduction of new materials in the construction of lifesaving appliances increasing their detectability has been studied for the selected example of a pneumatic life raft. The research was based on laboratory tests and open sea trials. The presented experimental investigations on the new materials that can be used for pneumatic life raft construction showed the enhancement of its thermal and radar signatures, which directly affect life raft detectability and influence reliability of SAR action and probability of success (POS). The improved detectability of a life raft related to the time to survive of a person in the water (PIW) allowed to present the modified search pattern for both PIW and life raft, significantly increasing POS.

A SFCW harmonic radar system for maritime search and rescue using passive and active tags

“…1, while an extensive experimental validation of the validity of equation ( 1) can be found in [7,8]. When comparing equation (1) with the classical (monostatic) radar equation, two important observations fundamental to the optimization of HR systems can be made. The first is the different proportionality of the return signal strength for a given system and constant RCS target when the transmission power or range to target is variedthe HR return signal P RX,2 / P 2 TX R 6 , in contrast to P RX / P TX R 4 (3)…”

“…Despite an ever evolving increase in maritime safety and security measures, ship accidents and distress at sea situations are still a common occurrence today due to the harsh sea environment many commercial vessels and even private boats operate in. Search and rescue (SAR, not to be confused with synthetic aperture radar) at sea is considered to be a very time critical task due to the hostility of the environment, especially when people are already in life rafts, or even worse, directly in the water itself [1].…”