SLOW TRAVEL
Introducing: The First Unmanned Man Overboard (MOB) System
Zelim, a sea survival technology company based in Edinburgh, has introduced GUARDIAN, the world’s first unmanned or remotely controlled person-in-water rescue vessel, at the SMM Trade Fair in Hamburg, Germany. This 8.4m long, 2.5m wide aluminum-hulled craft, known as a Next Generation Fast Rescue Craft (FRC), is designed for quick deployment to rescue both conscious and unconscious individuals from the water in challenging maritime conditions.
Developed over four years with input from maritime authorities like the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency and the US Coastguard, GUARDIAN features Zelim’s SWIFT rapid rescue conveyor and ZOE, an AI-driven detection software. The vessel can be launched instantly from a ship’s existing davit and is powered by a Bukh VGT 400HP motor, reaching speeds over 30 knots. It has a range of 15 nautical miles and can operate for six hours.
Once near the casualty, GUARDIAN uses SWIFT to safely recover individuals from the water, capable of handling two survivors at once. This technology reduces the risk to both the rescuer and the rescued by minimizing the loss of hydrostatic pressure during retrieval.
The necessity for such a vessel is highlighted by the statistic that about 40% of man-overboard incidents result in fatalities, with over 1000 people falling overboard annually. Sam Mayall, Zelim’s founder, emphasized that sea survival heavily depends on quick retrieval, which is often hindered by harsh weather conditions.
GUARDIAN can accommodate up to 11 survivors or 9 if operated with a two-person crew. It also incorporates AI for person-in-water detection, making search operations more effective. Peter Lloyd, Zelim’s Director of Search and Rescue, noted the importance of speed and automation in rescue operations, especially in difficult sea searches where human attention can falter.
ZOE, the software tool developed by Zelim, enhances the vessel’s capabilities by instantly detecting and alerting to persons or objects in the water, distinguishing humans from other objects. This integration with GUARDIAN’s navigation system provides real-time location data, aiding in efficient rescues.
Beyond man-overboard rescues, GUARDIAN can perform various unmanned maritime roles like security patrols and standby recovery. Zelim advocates for GUARDIAN to be standard equipment on ocean-going vessels, cruise ships, and offshore platforms to enhance maritime safety. The launch of GUARDIAN represents a significant advancement in maritime rescue technology, aiming to reduce the risks associated with traditional rescue operations.