Zycraft joins IMRF and unveils unmanned SAR USV design

Nov. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- Zycraft Pte. Ltd. (Zycraft) has joined the International Maritime Rescue Federation(IMRF) as an Associate Member. The IMRF is the leading international organization focused on improving operational capabilities and experience in the conduct of search and rescue, and enhancing collaboration and cooperation among neighbouring countries. As a non-governmental organisation with consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation(IMO), the IMRF is recognized for its feedback and expertise on maritime SAR at the international level.

Zycraft has built the Vigilant class Independent Unmanned Surface Vessel(IUSV). One of the multi-mission modular payloads the company has designed is for search and rescue. The SAR IUSV will be equipped with special radar and electro-optic day and night camera systems to conduct wide area search. As the USV search is systematically conducted along preplanned tracks, the search will be more effective. The recorded search data will also be reviewed at the base HQ to ensure a casualty is not missed. After a casualty is spotted, the SAR payload is capable of remote recovery of an unconscious casualty into the IUSV using a robotic arm that is controlled from the shore base by a manned operator. Once placed in the stretcher, biomedical sensors will provide status of the casualty’s health condition so that base HQ can then plan accordingly for further medical evacuation and resources. The robotic arm is also designed to tag bodies in the water for future recovery so that space onboard the USV is reserved for survivors, leaving body recovery as a last act once survivors are accounted for.

Based on the existing Vigilant IUSV 17 m platform, the SAR module will be able to recover up to 8 casualties lying in a special litter rack. If there are conscious casualties, an additional 15 persons can be seated in other areas in the IUSV. These conscious casualties may also be able to assist in the recovery and treatment of the unconscious casualties using the medical equipment and stores onboard the IUSV.

Mr James Soon, President Zycraft, said that “the company is pleased to be the first entity in Singapore to join the IMRF and to contribute to regional SAR efforts. Zycraft’s SAR IUSV capability will provide a unique long endurance search and rescue capability even under adverse weather conditions where human endurance and effectiveness would have been seriously curtailed. Countries that have long coastlines and a very active maritime community be it in fishing, boating, commerce or transportation will find the 24/7 responsiveness of a SAR IUSV a real benefit. The company will now build a prototype SAR payload module for demonstration in 2014.”

In addition to the SAR IUSV, Zycraft also operates two 17 m Long Endurance  Fast Response Craft from Singapore for the purpose of medical casualty evacuation and responding to contingencies at sea. The LRV-17 has a maximum speed of 40 kn and a range exceeding 1000 nautical miles. These vessels are also equipped with the Seakeeper™ stabilization system making it highly suitable for its medical role. These vessels combine to make Zycraft a very capable contributor to the search and rescue community.

Zycraft (Zycraft Pte. Ltd.), is a company registered in Singapore, and specialises in the design and manufacturer of Unmanned Surface Vessels and special high speed manned boats using advanced nano composite materials. The company also develops unique security and fast response solutions for the maritime industry to counter the threat of piracy, sea theft and search and rescue. Please visit www.zycraft.com.

International Maritime Rescue Federation(IMRF) is a non-governmental organisation based out of the UK with regional groupings around the world. It leads in the development of new doctrine and capabilities for search and rescue and offers advice to the International Maritime Organisation in the United Nations. It provides its expertise to countries to coordinate SAR activities as well as to train personnel in SAR efforts. Please visit http://www.international-maritime-rescue.org