FLIR thermal imaging camera increases security and safely navigation

by Drew Valentine on 9 May 2014 Fukuoka marina is located on the northern coast of Kyushu, Japan. Located at Fukuoka marina, the Marine Club Navy uses FLIR Systems’ thermal imaging cameras to increase safety on the waters and in the marina. Thermal imaging helps to protect valuable assets and helps to navigate in open water as well.

Only 20 minutes from the city center and about 15 minutes from one of the best fishing points in the area, Fukuoka marina is popular among local fishermen. The Marine Club Navy provides tailor-made marine services including the sale and rental of pleasure boats, private cruises and the chartering of fishing boats.

In Fukuoka marina, where the Marine Club Navy situated, a lot of private boats are moored.

Protecting valuable assets in the marina:

Providing secure facilities, and keeping marinas a safe environment, is a basic responsibility of marina management.

Protection can be achieved through a combination of security policies, controlled access, observation and user awareness. Although it has not reached epidemic proportions yet, crime is a growing threat to recreational boating, also in Fukuoka.

Modern boats are equipped with state-of-the-art electronic systems for navigation and other items. They often also have a state-of-the-art video and sound system, jet-skis and a lot of other expensive equipment that any robber would love to steal on board.

Being located a fair distance from the city center has however some disadvantages when it comes to security. As there are no shops and houses, the marina is quite dark at night. The light provided by the few shop signs and scattered street lamps are insufficient to adequately illuminate the whole area.

Continuously, fully lighting up a marina during night-time is however not always the best solution. Installing supplementary lighting is often expensive. Powering and maintaining it can be very costly. In some sensitive locations it is also considered too intrusive. Furthermore, lighting essentially lays out a route of attack for intruders, creating shadows in which they can hide and gain access undetected.

Thermal imaging sees clearly at night:

In order to detect unwelcome intruders at night, the Marine Club Navy decided to purchase a FLIR Systems’ handheld thermal night vision camera: FLIR MS-324.

The FLIR MS-324 is a thermal imaging that does not need any light whatsoever to create a crisp image in the darkest of night. In contrast with other technologies, such as light amplification, thermal imaging needs no light whatsoever to produce an image on which the smallest of details can be seen. Thermal imaging provides full visibility irrespective of the prevailing light level and weather conditions. It can see in total darkness, through light fog, in the far distance, through smoke and is able to detect anyone hiding in the shadows. It is an excellent tool for security and surveillance applications in marinas.

The FLIR MS-324 is a compact thermal imaging camera that produces crisp thermal images of 320 x 240 pixels. Compact and lightweight, only 340 grams, it is easy to carry. The camera is controlled by only four buttons located on top of the unit. It is equipped with a 2x digital zoom which allows having a closer look at the situation. The camera also has a built-in light which can be used when the camera is not in operation. It eliminates the need to carry an extra flashlight around.

Exceeding the expectations:

'I first saw a FLIR Systems thermal imaging camera when I visited one of the biggest annual boat shows in Japan. Although I was a bit skeptical in the beginning I decided to purchase one.

Today the FLIR Systems thermal imaging camera has proven its worth. It helps us to secure the marina day and night. With the help of the FLIR MS-324 we can easily see what is going on in the marine. If we spot suspicious activity we send someone out to check the situation', explains Mr. Takeda, owner of Marine Club Navy.

'It also is useful for our own safety. Although we are familiar with the area, walking around the marina in total darkness is not always easy. When we are on night patrol we can point the camera in the direction of suspicious noises to detect and identify intruders.'

'Operating the FLIR MS-324 is a very easy to use tool so all staff can use it effectively. No operator training is required to handle this versatile'.

Increasing safety at sea:

The FLIR MS-324 not only improves the security in the marina. It helps to increase safety at sea as well.

'The Marine Club Navy organizes night cruise as well. Especially during the summer months when a lot of firework festivals are being held. Night cruising poses more risk than day cruising. The FLIR MS-324 can help our captain to see other vessels, buoys and other objects that can damage his vessel severely. If ever we should have a man-overboard situation the FLIR MS-324 will help us to find the victim in the shortest possible time so that we can get him out of the water before hypothermia sets in.'

Thermal image useful both day and night:

Thermal imaging cameras are not only useful during the night. They can be used during the day as well. They can detect people hiding in shadows and they are not blinded by glare from the sun like CCTV cameras. They can be used day and night in practically all weather conditions.

'With the FLIR MS-324 we can protect our customers’ assets and ensure the safety of our staff during patrols. At the same time we can make the sea a safer place for our customers that are taking a night cruise. Thermal imaging has proven its worth for various applications. Day and night', concludes Mr. Takeda.