Integrated maritime picture for the efficient and effective surveillance of the coastal region

Abstract

Three quarters of the world’s surface is covered in water meaning a significant portion of the world depend on the sea for trade and transportation with vessels of various types some of which are platforms for weapons. Safe and efficient navigation of these vessels can reduce to a minimum the risk involved in marine accidents, the casualties as result thereof and the economic losses as well as environmental pollution. The sea is a very important part of African life and has an integral role to play in making sure that we can provide a better life for all, not only in South Africa but also on the continent as a whole. The resources it has to offer can contribute to the building of the wealth of Africa. South Africa has an estimated 94% of the imports and exports passing through her ports, therefore a disruption to trade due to poor maritime surveillance will have a serious negative effect on the economic wellbeing of South Africa. Proper and effective surveillance of the maritime areas can provide the early warning required for an appropriate response to any emerging threat to be provided. This document plans to first evaluate the current system being used for maritime surveillance of vessels weighing more than 400 tons. Then a literature study that will offer techniques used in tackling similar problems. The tools and techniques to be researched will be primarily simulation, mathematical programming techniques and engineering economy used for the Cost Analysis. This document concludes by showing how these tools will be used to propose a concept for a cost effective system to used by South Africa to incorporate the limited resources both human and machinery to ensure the proper and effective surveillance of the maritime environment is done.