- Full title Sistema de alerta y localización de embarcaciones y marineros para embarcaciones de pequeña eslora_S2
- Funding entity SCIO SOFT .S.L.
- Researchers Richard J Duro Fernández, Fernando López Peña, Juan Carlos Becerra Permuy, Vicente Díaz Casás, Andrés Faíña Rodríguez-Vila, Alejandro Paz López, Santiago Vázquez Rodríguez, Marcos Míguez González
- Start date 01/11/2007
- End date 31/03/2008
- SCIO SOFT .S.L.
- Universidade da Coruña
Description
This project was undertaken for and in collaboration with Scio Soft S.L.
Passive safety equipment and personal units were developed for “man overboard” situations on vessels. The combination makes it possible to detect this situation immediately and offer a quick rescue. A personal computer is provided for each person on board and a module is placed on board the vessel.
The personal unit, ready to be worn by the boat crew, consists of a first module integrated into a belt. Folded within that module, a lifejacket is attached with tape. Moreover, in a second module located inside the first one and connected to the lifejacket, a device is configured to inflate the vest automatically when a man overboard situation is detected. To that end the first module has a tab at the back designed to open when the lifejacket gets inflated, which allows it to be used outside. The vest has a built-in emergency radio beacon that serves to locate the person who is wearing it.
The onboard computer detects if a previously activated personal unit onboard a ship goes missing and alerts the rest of the crew. If there is no response by the crew, it automatically sends a distress signal to the maritime rescue services and vessels in the vicinity. It also indicates the position of the vessel.
As a result of the project, an international patent has been taken up across Europe, the USA, Japan and Korea, among other places. The patent is owned by Scio Soft SL and includes members of the GII as inventors.