Marianne Molchan said that, "many of the existing com- to ward off vessels while the surface response devices mercial underwater swimmer detection systems on the arrive. Underwater surveillance is typically done via sonar market fully integrate a number of technologies support- systems. Kongsberg MesoTech's diver and swimmer detecing detection (and classification) of targets, however they tion sonar is no exception. Its SM2000 sonar head can be may or may not support a well thought out Concept of configured to work in 90 and 180 degree swaths and sevOperations (CONOPS) for dealing with a target. eral sonar heads can be deployed and arranged to cover as Effectively dealing with a target may include robust noti- large an area as needed. fication, non-lethal deterrents and effective response capabilities. Once a target has been detected, the key is having a system in place that supports the local port security plan which is an integral part of the CONOPS. It's the getting the underwater threat to surface without lethal force that is a challenge for the USCG as well as civilian port owner/operators." Homeland Security funds are flowing, finally to the most commercially active ports in the U.S. These grants are provided to install various port security equipment from dock perimeter fencing, to shore based video cameras, to advanced personnel scanning devices. Among the items being purchased are swimmer/intruder detection sonars such as the Lockheed Martin Swimmer Detection Sonar (SDS) or Kongsberg Mesotech's swimmer defense system. Under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Navy Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, SonicWorks has developed an undersea detection system which is a bottom mounted array of acoustic sensors located in areas of critical interest. The system listens to what's going on nearby. It can track position, movement, speed and direction of a target and relay information to a control station. According to the company, the underwater portion of this system can be integrated with surface systems to provide topside and underwater surveillance. What makes the SonicWorks' system unique is that it is a fixed array laid on the seabed that can be triangulated to provide an exact position of a passing target. The listening portion of the system costs upwards of $300,000 for a base system. There is also a non-lethal component of the acoustic listening array. It's a special underwater vehicle that delivers a non-lethal acoustic weapon that forces a diver or swimmer to surface and it contains them so they cannot escape. Coast Guard diver recording responses during acoustic impulse The same system can deploy concussion devices testing (Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center)
www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 33
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