Infusion of new technologies can bring an end to the piracy menace

The technology available, the increased sophistication of their methods of attack, and the movement toward pirate syndicates are strong indicators that this crime will continue to grow in frequency and violence.

Infusion of new technologies into maritime programmes can bring an end to piracy.

Technology can play an important role in the battle against piracy.

Technology plays a vital role in finding solutions or preventing problems from occurring (for example, advance surveillance can prevent terrorist or piracy attacks) and for implementing policy-related decisions.

There have been more than 30 reported attacks in Somalia this year, according to the International Maritime Bureau.

ShipLoc

Recently, the IMB worked together with satellite tracking system operators and produced a satellite tracking system called ShipLoc.

The ShipLoc system is based on a small device that regularly reports to ship owners the exact position of their ships through a satellite network.

If a ship is hijacked, the IMB piracy reporting centre, with authorisation from the ship owner, can access the ship’s data.

IMB then alerts the appropriate law enforcement agency that takes the necessary action.

Shiploc uses a hidden personal computer aboard the ship to monitor position by satellite 24 hours a day.

Should anyone breach a fibre optic network stretched around the vessel’s perimeter, an automatic signal is provided both to the ship’s crew and authorities.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) 

AUVs are sometimes also called Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) had a significant progress in the past few years.

Scientists and researchers came out with breakthrough designs and applications that helped maritime missions.