Hand Deployed Situational Awarness Sensor for Shipboard Damage Control

Damage sustained on board a US Naval vessel is a serious situation. Rapid situational assessment of a damaged compartment by a rugged, hand-deployed, situational sensor would be advantageous in coordinating a response, mitigating additional damage to the ship and crew, and preserving the ship’s mission. Such a device must be able to withstand shock, heat, flooding, and other hazardous environmental conditions. A concept and implementation plan for a rugged, modularized, configurable environmental sensor is discussed in this proposal. Key features proposed include multiple camera systems for visual feedback, on-board data processing, and wireless connectivity. In addition to providing rapid response to the US Navy, it is envisioned that this device has broader applications to federal, state, and municipal hazardous materials response departments.