Originally published January 4 2006
Marine robots can patrol the seas and escort ships
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Marine Robotics has created vessels called Ghost Guards, which patrol along pre-programmed routes and escort other ships through dangerous waters. If there is something suspicious, they can call a naval patrol vessel.
As the pirates go hi-tech, so ships must use more advanced technology in their defence, according to the latest report from the International Maritime Bureau.
In their defence against pirates off the coast of Somalia, the Seabourn Spirit's crew used an acoustic weapon that focused a deafening alarm sound on the attackers, hastening their retreat.
The Alondra Rainbow was seized by pirates in 1999 - International Maritime Bureau photograph Pirates are coming up with more ways of seizing ships Speaking to BBC World Service's Discovery for its programme on the future of shipping safety, Keith Henderson of Marine Robotics International explained how unmanned robotic vessels could help.
Marine Robotics have created vessels called Ghost Guard which can patrol the seas along pre-programmed routes, overseen by a single, human controller on shore.
"They could go alongside, there's a loudspeaker and a microphone so they could have a conversation with the vessel," said Mr Henderson.
"If the vessel gets lost or damaged or sunk, then there's no loss of life," he added.
Marine Robotic Vessels Ghost Guard The bot vehicles can be pre-programmed with a route "If the robotic vessel goes alongside a suspicious-looking boat, and they suddenly open fire or throw hand grenades, or fire a rocket-propelled grenade at the vessel to take it out, then yes, there's a cost factor but nobody's lost their lives."
"A normal naval patrol boat, if he gives chase to a smuggler often has to stop because the smuggler will start to throw people overboard.
"But with a remote piloted vessel, even if the navy has to stop, the robotic vessel can continue the chase right back to its harbour, or even follow it into a bay where it starts putting people ashore.
"And of course then the smugglers' position can be reported back to the mother vessel."
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