Man Overboard PIW Recovery

In response to navy SBIR N241-050 entitled “Forces Afloat Man Overboard Persons in the Water (PIW) Recovery”, Triton Systems proposes to replace the current MOBI system (requiring direction-finding equipment and capability) with state-of-the-art detection and localization technology to identify the person in the water, when the person entered the water, personnel physiological data and precise location of this person. In a man overboard situation time is critical. From when the PIW enters the water to the time they are rescued could determine the difference between life and death. Triton proposes a system to augment or replace the current Man Overboard Indicator System (MOBI) with a system that will enhance range, real time provide location and sensor data, allow the PIW to determine if others PIWs are nearby as well as provide rescuers the ability to communicate and see the individual. As stated in the solicitation, this proposed system “leverages existing technologies and improves identification,  location and tracking of all persons in the water (PIWs) from afloat assets operating up to sea state five (5) and distances up to ten nautical miles. Later stages of development could seek to integrate the improved performance with other means to support staging and recovery operations.” The proposed solution would integrate low-cost, yet robust, COTS components and opensource software to produce a system that provide individual data, GPS location and sensor based physical information for up to 80 users without relying on to radio triangulation techniques. Shipboard or portable rescue electronics would consist of the same radio within the unit, a Wi-Fi enabled laptop and a standard high gain antenna. In Phase I, Triton plans to develop a concept to track multiple PIW for in sea state 5 and zero visibility conditions and plans to demonstrate feasibility of the concept to meet system requirements and utility.  If the Phase I Option is awarded, Triton plans to develop design specs and system description for a Phase II prototype. In Phase II, Triton plans to develop and demonstrate a prototype PIW detection and localization system for evaluation in typical at sea environments.  Triton also plans to develop a Phase III transition plan in preparation for Navy use.  This transition plan could include commercial markets involving PIW detection and localization.