Enhanced Person in the Water Detection
Abstract
A persistent challenge of the Search and Rescue mission is the difficulty of finding a person floating in the open ocean, waiting for rescue. The conspicuity of a floating person is a statement of how well that combination of person and floatation device is noticed by a human observer. This project focused on improving the detectability of a person in the water and used a subjective but quantifiable assessment of conspicuity to achieve a rank ordering process. That process was then applied in the down selection of prototypes solicited from the public in a prize challenge for improving detectability. The primary activity of this project was the three-phase execution of a DHS S and T-sponsored prize competition; U.S. Coast Guard Ready for Rescue Challenge. Phase I sought to cast a wide net for novel but practical concepts for improving detectability. If new options became available for reasonable cost, comfort, and usability, then rescue at sea could be a more manageable problem. The Phase II judging panel down selected the list from Phase I by identifying prototypes that could be developed further using available prize competition funding. Phase III included an evaluation in an open water field exercise. This effort demonstrated the value of running prize competitions to foster innovative design solutions that can help reduce mariner risk with low-cost PFD enhancements. In addition, the conspicuity testing results related to patterns, colors, and intensities add to the existing body-of-knowledge and provide a framework that the Office of Design and Engineering Standards, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (CG-ENG-4) can use to monitor commercial product advancements that support Search and Rescue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1106498
Entities
People
- Judith R. Connelly