When it comes to travelling the world by sea, safety is vital. Together with the rising number of marine safety, security and tech companies, governing bodies such as the IMO provide and support the world fleet with a whole host of ways seafarers, superyacht owners and operators can ensure they are made to feel safe, and remain safe, at sea. 
The threat of having uninvited guests on board a superyacht either at sea or in one of the world’s many marinas and ports is just one of the risks that come with owning a superyacht. Attacks on superyachts are rare, but can still be a concern in both well-known high-risk areas and areas in which the local political situation is unstable. However, such attacks or attempted attacks can be easily prevented by a good security system and visible physical deterrents. For some, this feature would be one of the top items on the list when shopping for a superyacht. Even so, the process of choosing exactly what security measures to take should not be underestimated. 
Companies such as FLIR - an industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defence and commercial applications - work together with the superyacht security specialists at MarineGuard to help those making the choice about what security system to have on board. “We recommend a layered approach starting with a perimeter detection system, which may include Radars, HD Daylight & Thermal long-range cameras, searchlights and more recently, drone detection systems. Subsurface systems can include diver detection and tracking systems, Remote Operating Vehicles and underwater cameras,” explains Mark Goodwin, Client Relationship Manager for MarineGuard.
“Onboard systems vary but may include video surveillance, access control, intruder detection, artwork protection, personnel tracking and planned safe areas, all of which can be managed from dedicated or mobile control stations,” he added.
One of the products in the range offered by MarineGuard is the high-performance thermal imaging cameras developed by FLIR. Prized by skippers and crews, the FLIR thermal cameras can be installed to serve a variety of functions such as situational awareness, close-quarters manoeuvring, collision avoidance and nighttime navigation. 
As Jim Hands, FLIR Maritime Marketing Director explains: “Our thermal cameras deliver visual imaging in total darkness with advanced optical zoom and video tracking capabilities. Thermal cameras “see heat” instead of visual light, so there is no likelihood of intruders approaching undetected, and with 360° panning, there’s essentially no hiding place.”
Already a provider of thermal solutions for militaries and navies around the world, FLIR sensed the demand in the superyacht industry for such technology. “Thermal imaging, much like many of navigation technologies aboard the modern superyachts today have their roots in military and naval applications,” says Jim Hands. 
“All these technologies: radar, sonar, and GPS made the jump to commercial applications - like superyachts did when manufacturers brought in new innovations in manufacturing and design. This brought the cost of these products down that we are able to supply today.”
“Together with FLIR’s advancements in camera core technology, we have also made camera assemblies smaller and more affordable, so even a yacht tender can be outfitted with thermal technology today,” he added. Having introduced their first thermal camera to the maritime market in 2007, the market response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Superyacht captains and recreational mariners instantly appreciated the simplicity of thermal vision and the improved situational awareness it was able to provide them,” recalls Hands.
Photo: FLIR MarineFLIR’s successful M400 and M500 models are seamlessly integrated into the yacht, blending with its structure and design. With cutting edge thermal imaging technology, standard features include gyro stabilisation, long-range target detection and a built-in spotlight. The top-of-the-range M500 model boasts a supercooled thermal detector which is able to operate on the mid-wave infrared spectrum. All of this can be accessed anywhere by those who need it via a laptop, tablet or phone thanks to secure video-over-IP functionality. 
In the world of superyacht security, there are many ways to harness the latest technology in order to keep all those onboard safe, and all those unwanted deterred. Moreover, the process of becoming a superyacht owner or guest involves the support and expertise of industry professionals and leading suppliers who are able to ensure a superyacht is a perfect, safe and fit-for-purpose addition to the world fleet.
To find out more about the full suite of thermal camera solutions for superyachts on offer with FLIR, contact them directly using the information below.