MILITARY-GRADE MARITIME SECURITY SYSTEMS

Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) 

The Long Range Acoustic Device is a non-lethal anti-piracy device which uses pain inducing sound beams to drive away invaders. The sonic weapon produces a high-pitched noise that is higher than the tolerance level of an average human being. LRAD has been previously used only on cargo and cruise ships and now is being integrated on mega yachts.

Underwater Sonar Detection Systems 

Sonardyne Sentinel diver detection sonar detects, tracks and identifies divers and underwater vehicles approaching a superyacht from any direction and alerts security personnel to the threat. The device has the ability to identify targets at ranges of up to 1,200 meters. Sentinel is small and lightweight and is quick to deploy from a boat, install in a port or fix along a coastline giving yachts an instant underwater security shield. Sonobuoy also offers a similar DDS-03 Diver Detection System but is used primarily by the Navy. 

Anti Drone Protection

Using a superyacht Drone Detection and Defeat System, the anti-drone device detects and identifies commercial drones within a 20+km range, providing GPS positioning of both drone & pilot together with the drone’s speed & heading. Once a real drone threat has been established, the system enables a 500m+ electronic ‘exclusion zone’ to be created around the yacht. Should the drone approach this exclusion zone, its control/video signal will be blocked, initiating its fail-safe mode forcing it to land or return to its operator. Sparrowhawk offers up an autonomous anti-drone device that is designed to capture, and recover intact, a rogue drone and its payload safely. 

Cloaking System 

The GOST Cloak system is designed to provide protection in the limited time between the alarm's activation and the response team's arrival at the scene. The Cloak mist fills the intended area with an impenetrable cloud of smoke that confuses the intruder and forces them to retreat until help arrives. The organic smoke is created by a special glycol solution and reduces visibility to less than one foot. 

Panic Room

The master suite of the super-yacht can double as the ship’s panic room, complete with ballistic glass that protects against bullets, a communications center on board where law enforcement agencies can be alerted to come and assist, and two to three days’ worth of food. These items provide the ability for the crew to maintain command and control of the vessel. 

Citadel Armored Escape Room and Escape Pods

Hidden Citadel rooms are increasing in popularity in many existing and new build superyachts. They are equipped with their own ventilation systems, water, and food supplies and communications. They are installed deep within the superyacht. A citadel is the nautical equivalent of a panic room to retreat to if personal safety is under threat. A Life-Pod emergency escape pod that features high impact resistant pods with temperature control, global positioning system, watertight, fire barrier control, and air purification can also be integrated into the system. 

Exterior Lockdown System 

Our maritime security systems and services including locks and sensors for total lockdown used on many yachts. We also provide crew vetting as well as security teams that travel with our clients on their journey. Our approach is to use fairly simple/reliable technology and couple it with people that can actually respond to a detected threat." 

Robots for Surveillance 

The Throwbot® 2 is a throwable micro-robot that enables operators to obtain instant video and audio surveillance indoor and outdoor. It is helpful for anti-pirate operations where a remote-controlled, robot-mounted video will be able to safely board a ship and send back footage. Low light isn’t a problem either as the Throwbot has infrared illuminators to see in total darkness. Also in development from several builders are robotic skiffs that will be used to be sent out to distress calls which are often a tactic used by pirates to lure targets. 

Propeller Entanglement System 

The Running Gear Entanglement System is a compressed air launched net made from spectra rope with weighted loops. The weighted loops help stop propeller propulsion of the vessels by entangling the propeller. 

Footstep Detector

Due to the super-yachts’ size, it is possible for hijackers to get on board without being seen. That’s why it is important for yacht owners to embed a security system in the yacht’s deck that detects every footstep. If anyone climbs aboard, the moment he or she puts a foot down, the security system alerts the staff and immediately trains the ship’s cameras on the person’s location.

Dazzle Gun 

Dazzle gun is a type of laser weapon which uses green light to disorient and temporarily blind the pirates. The concentrated blast of green light can be used during both day and night. The GLARE HELIOS is an FDA approved non-lethal visual disruption laser (dazzler), perfect for yachts and maritime use. When a suspect individual approaches a restricted area, the eye safe laser is able to hail and warn them before shots have to be fired. The gun also has a red dot laser for aiming during daytime use. 

More aggressive techniques which are not legal on many private yachts include a Pain Ray (Electromagnetic wave) non-lethal weapon which transmits a narrow beam of electromagnetic energy to heat the skin without causing permanent damage. The wave penetrates beneath the skin which causes an unbearable burning sensation, forcing pirates to run away or jump overboard. And, stun grenades, rubber ball grenades, and anti-missile defense systems which are not commonly used.