Drones pose a growing threat to the safety and security of vessels. Although the ISPS Code does not yet take drones into consideration, companies such as Martek Marine already offer solutions to mitigate the threat.
Recent years have seen a massive advance in drone endurance, range and payload capacity whilst the price has also plummeted, leading to a proliferation of drones expected to reach 12million by 2020.
Sitting Ducks
Terrorist use of drones deploying explosives is already well documented and the potential for a drone to deliver an explosive charge through the deck of an oil/gas tanker with potentially catastrophic results is a stark reality. Vessels in port, at anchor or on coastal transits are potential "sitting ducks" and currently powerless to know if/when they are going to be attacked, let alone be in a position to defend against the threat.
Aerial Threats from Drones Not Considered
The ISPS code Part A para 1.3.3 mandates requirements, “preventing the introduction of unauthorised weapons, incendiary devices or explosive to ships” and Ship Security Plans need to address countermeasures to protect from such threats. The problem is that, up until now, aerial threats from drones have just not been considered.
Drone Detection and Defeat System
One of the companies trying to address this threat is Martek Marine, which developed the D-Fencetm maritime drone detection and defeat system. D-Fencetm detects and identifies commercial drones within a 20+km range providing GPS positioning of both drone and pilot together with the drone’s speed & heading. Configurable and escalating stage alarms in real time allow the threat level to be assessed in good time.
Once a real drone threat has been established, the system enables a 500m+ electronic ‘exclusion zone’ to be created around the vessel. Should the drone approach this exclusion zone, its control/video signal will be interrupted, initiating its fail-safe mode forcing it to land or return to its operator.
