An air deployable buoy for search and rescue operations

Maritime rescue operations often involve extensive searches for drifting objects, typically life rafts or persons in the water, and search operations are directed based on computer predictions of drift trajectories. These predictions are based on estimates of local wind and wave conditions and, since there are uncertainties associated with these estimates the search area grows rapidly with time, and often within a few hours the area may be far larger than can be effectively searched by available aircraft and ships. This paper describes the development of a new tool for maritime search and rescue (SAR) activities, called a self locating datum marker buoy (DMB). It comprises an air deployable buoy that drifts with the same trajectory as a life raft (primarily driven by the wind) or as a person in the water (primarily driven by the surface current) depending on the configuration chosen prior to deployment. The buoy contains a GPS receiver and an ARGOS satellite transmitter so that it is able to relay near real-time position data to a rescue coordination center, and thus allows the search activities to be directed in a more focused, and successful manner. The development of the buoy is discussed in the paper, results of drift validation trials in conditions of high winds and currents are presented, and the impact of DIME data on search area predictions is shown.