Ear: Zelim

The uses for artificial intelligence are myriad, and now include Person Overboard detection for ships at sea. One company, Zelim, produces the AI-based ZOE system, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard.

ZOE provides “automatic detection, tracking and alerting of people/objects” and “measured 96.8% detection performance from 337 meters (1,105 feet) for person-in-water detections,” and even farther when optical zoom is applied. Other benefits include time-saving instantaneous detection and alerting, and the ability to detect people or objects in the water day or night.

Maritime Magazines says that ZOE has already been installed on vessels and an offshore platform, and has been tested by Canadian Civil Air Search and Rescue Association drones, successfully distinguishing mannequins from buoys, lobster pots and other distractions.

ZOE is also installed in Zelim’s remote-controlled rescue craft, which holds 11 survivors, and even has a conveyor belt recovery system. Safety at sea has taken a huge jump forward. (Photos: Zelim)