Enhancing Maritime Safety with Video Tracking & Radar Integration

Staying focused with FLIR Marine Technology

Marine watch standers play a vital role in ensuring vessel safety and operational efficiency. However, an overloaded operator risks fatigue, distraction, and reduced situational awareness—potentially jeopardizing safety. FLIR Marine addresses this challenge by incorporating Video Tracking and Radar Integration into its advanced camera systems, helping mariners stay focused while reducing workload.

Video Tracking: Automating Target Monitoring 

FLIR Marine cameras, equipped with pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) functionality, provide a commanding 360° view, ensuring mariners can monitor surroundings effectively. With a ±90° tilt range, operators can scan from the deck to the highest visible point in the sky. Control is seamless through a FLIR Joystick Control Unit or a chartplotter’s touch interface. 

However, manually steering a camera to track fast-moving targets can be a distraction—especially for high-speed response vessels where continuous situational awareness is critical. FLIR's Video Tracking feature, available in M400XR and M500 models, automates this process. 

• Operators can designate an on-screen target using a JCU-4 joystick, chartplotter, or MFD interface. 
• A tracking box appears, confirming the camera has locked onto the object. 
• The camera automatically adjusts its pan and tilt to follow the target without requiring ongoing input. 
• If the object moves beyond the horizon or becomes obstructed, the system attempts to reacquire it and alerts the operator if tracking is lost. 

Best of all, Video Tracking works seamlessly between thermal and ultra-low-light visible payloads, allowing operators to switch views and zoom levels without interrupting tracking. This capability is valuable for vessels with minimal crew or vessels operating in demanding environments. 

Who Benefits from Video Tracking? 

• Yachts & Passenger Vessels: Monitor tenders and small craft moving between the mother ship and shore. 
• Fisheries & Conservation Officers: Observe suspicious activity safely while recording video evidence. 
• Marine Enforcement Agencies: Keep cameras locked onto suspect vessels attempting to flee or jettison contraband. 
• Maritime Firefighters: Maintain a fixed view of fire scenes despite vessel movement. 
• Pilot Launches: Record pilot transfers to and from the ladder. 
• Towboats: Automatically track crews tending to barges at night. 

Radar Integration: Connecting Cameras to Navigation Systems 

Marine radar is fundamental for navigation and hazard detection, providing real-time awareness of navaids, vessels, weather, and shorelines. FLIR’s M232, M300 series, M400 series, and M500 cameras integrate with radar systems to further reduce operator workload. 

Slew-to-Cue: Automated Target Acquisition 

• FLIR Marine cameras respond to AIS and Radar Tracked Targets (ARPA/MARPA) selected via touchscreen MFDs, automatically slewing to the target’s location. 
• The system tracks targets dynamically, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. 
• Previously exclusive to military applications, slew-to-cue now brings precision tracking to commercial and recreational vessels. 

FLIR thermal cameras are compatible with leading marine electronics from Garmin, Furuno, Raymarine, and Simrad. System integration varies, so operators should confirm compatibility with their radar provider. 

Additionally, FLIR supports NMEA0183 RSD and TTM messaging, allowing cameras to: 

• Follow radar or ECDIS cursor positions, enabling quick manual targeting. 
• Automatically track ARPA-designated targets as they move. 
• Pan toward upcoming waypoints, ensuring critical navigation points remain in sight. 

Enhancing Safety & Efficiency with FLIR

No matter the vessel - yacht, commercial ship, enforcement craft, or towboat—remaining alert is essential for collision prevention and safe navigation. FLIR Marine’s automated tracking and radar integration simplify vessel monitoring, reduce fatigue, and improve situational awareness.