It is no secret that the maritime industry is rewarding but often dangerous sector. 

With the advent of maritime autonomy for commercial use, including our SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system, there’s a transformative opportunity to replace on-board officers with Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) in high-risk maritime operations. This crucial shift significantly reduces the risk of injury or loss of life.

In this blog, we’ll focus on the specific hazards associated with certain maritime jobs and explore industries poised to benefit from the adoption of autonomous vessels. 

Maritime Autonomy: What is it? 

For a detailed explanation of maritime autonomy, we recommend taking our look at our Ultimate Guide to Maritime Autonomy in 2024 here. 

What are the Dangers at Sea? 

In the maritime workplace, dangers typically arise from accidents—resulting from either human error or machinery failure—harsh and inhospitable conditions, or the intrinsic risks associated with specific use cases. 

According to a report from the United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center, 75%-95% of maritime casualties have some degree of contribution from human error (source: link). 

Fatigue and neglect over long shifts can greatly increase opportunities for collisions and grounding that cause property damage, injuries, and catastrophic loss.  

Similarly, unpredictable weather patterns are prime opportunities for the use of maritime autonomy as poor conditions can obstruct operations, forcing officers to work in unsafe environments. 

Lastly, certain maritime jobs are inherently dangerous. Prioritizing the reduction of human exposure to potentially harmful elements should be a primary focus for any maritime business or agency.  

While autonomy may not be applicable to all scenarios, it offers a transformative opportunity to reimagine and enhance numerous operations, aligning with a commitment to safety and innovation in the maritime sector. 

Where Unmanned Surface Vessels Can Help 

Maritime autonomy benefits dangerous jobs by: 

1. Physical Distancing: Ensures a vital physical separation from potential dangers through remote command. 
2. Collision Avoidance: Implements an additional safeguard against collisions via collision avoidance software, much like auto braking or lane sensing in a car. 

While most vessels will benefit from the additional safeguard that collision avoidance provides, below are specific use cases where autonomous vessels can significantly improve workplace safety. 

Unexploded Ordnance Disposal

Perhaps the most visual example of the benefits of unmanned vessels is the possibility of executing Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) disposal operations without personnel on board the vessel. 

USVs, remotely commanded from shore, can be autonomously deployed to identify or help dispose of unexploded ordnances  without the presence of officers on board. 

Search and Rescue 

Maritime accidents, more often than not, occur in unsavoury weather conditions. With every second being the difference between life and death, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are imperative, necessitating execution even in extreme storms or rough seas. 

In combination with unmanned Search and Rescue technology, like our one-of-a-kind collaboration with Zelim, rescuing humans from the water will no longer need to come at the risk of another.  

Oil Spill Response 

Oil spills, aside from wreaking havoc on the surrounding ecology, also present a health hazard for those involved in the challenging task of oil collection. 

An Unmanned vessel can be outfitted with an oil collection skimmer, or a boom that can be deployed autonomously via integrated payload controls, not only removing humans from toxic work environments, but also allow for faster deployment times, a crucial element in oil spill harm reduction. 

Sea Machines is proud to be the first to demonstrate together with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) how autonomous systems can be deployed to efficiently address oil spills on a Kvichak Marco skimmer boat in 2019.

Military Applications 

Apart from enhancing safety with collision avoidance, unmanned vessels also allow for vessels to be remotely commanded from a safe location inland. 

This not only allows for a safe physical distance, but also increased flexibility in operations for persistent surveillance, or domain awareness, as well as long range logistics, and insertion activities. 

Autonomous vessels can also be sent ahead of motherships to scout for inbound threats (asset escort and protection) to minimize risk. 

The SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system is an integral part of many of the US NAVY and United State Coast Guard exercises to evaluate incorporation and integration of unmanned surface vessels into everyday operations. 

The Technology of Tomorrow, Now 

Autonomy may seem like a faraway concept for some, but we know better. 

Having launched our SM300 Autonomous command and control system in 2018 and with 70+ deployments worldwide, we know that autonomy is ready, and it is here. 

Don’t believe us? Book a remote demo from anywhere in the world and see for yourself here.

Or see more use cases on our social media here.

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