Thermal cameras make navigation at night or in fog much safer, enabling invisible objects to be seen with perfect clarity. Buoys, harbour walls, floating debris and other vessels can all be quickly and easily identified.
Daytime navigation is also enhanced by thermal technology. Irisys thermal cameras are not affected by the glare of the sun, so finding buoys, rocks and other objects becomes much easier.
Thermal imaging is also used for search-and-rescue and security applications. Man-overboard victims can be spotted instantly, as can unwanted visitors.
Applications
Thermal imaging is an important tool for both the shipping surveyor and ship operator.
Surveying and maintenance applications
Infrared technology makes it possible to identify problems such as moisture ingress and delaminations in the vessel structure, as well as overheating in electrical, mechanical and power generating systems.
The fact that 60% of all engine room fires are initiated by oil leakages highlights the importance of thermal imaging. It is mandatory under the SOLAS regulations, that all surfaces in vessels be kept below 220c to avoid oil ignition. Infrared systems provide vital advance information in order to prevent such dangerous cases.
Navigation
Thermal imaging equipment helps navigation at night or in poor visibility, and also in collision avoidance and man overboard procedures.
Night time navigation
Ships' lights can indicate their size and position. Radar can also help to identify position and movement. However, a night vision camera can determine the size of the ship, its speed and direction, and verify individual vessels.
- Detect other shipping and objects
- Radar dots can easily be a number of things: a ship, a mooring buoy or a flock of birds. Night vision helps navigators to verify the object and decide on any change to their course
- A critical tool for collision avoidance
- Used for mooring and jetty avoidance in low visibility conditions
Man overboard
- Thermal cameras allow quick and reliable detection and tracking of a man overboard – especially at night where visual contact can otherwise be easily lost
- Even useful during the day for visibility in rough seas
- Gives ability to swiftly organise a safe recovery
See more about how Irisys security solutions have marine applications.