Fishermen and seafarers need no longer depend on weather reports on television or radio before venturing out to sea. Thanks to the efforts of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), they now will be able to get a clear picture of the weather on a real-time basis round the clock.
The Integrated Marine Surveillance System, launched on May 28, enables comprehensive ocean observation along with oceanographic and meteorological data.
The data is collected by cameras that have been fitted on a buoy floated out into the sea off the Goa coast. It can then be transmitted through a SIM card built into the unit and be observed at the NIOT office in Pallikaranai here.
According to R. Venkatesan, head of NIOT’s Ocean Observation Division, the buoy unit had three cameras each of which had a 120-degree scope so as to collectively obtain 360-degree pictures day and night.
It also has an inbuilt automated identification system to record the movement of passing vessels, Dr. Venkatesan said.
Dr. Venkatesan said the IMSS enabled researchers to obtain visuals of diverse information that can be correlated for a complete analysis. The real-time data would also help the seafarers and fishermen get a clear idea about the condition of the sea, he said.
The IMSS uses conventional cameras modified to be compatible with the marine environment and measure sea-wave loading. A unique feature of this camera is that it automatically switches over to ‘night vision’ mode after dark.
The system functions with solar power and is hence ecologically-friendly.
According to Dr. Venkatesan, observation of sea using night-vision is unprecedented. The NIOT has obtained patent for the IMSS, he said.
Underwater observationDr. Venkatesan said the underwater camera could prove useful in monitoring the coral areas in the country too. Researchers could observe the movement of nocturnal underwater species, about which little is known.
