Maritime Defence

The threat of terrorist attack on naval bases, harbours, ports, oil platforms, terminals, underwater pipelines, shipping and coastal facilities is today sadly, a real and growing concern to all countries and one which could severely affect their economic stability not to mention the catastrophic loss of life and damage to infrastructure a serious terrorist attack or saboteurs could lead to.

It is an acknowledged fact that terrorist organisations are now training operatives in diving techniques and the risk of attack on facilities from diver teams is now very real and the need for an integrated marine defence programme has never therefore, been greater. Undesired "visitors" tend to approach from sea and submerged, as this line of attack is rather difficult and expensive to survey and to protect. Thus, such an approach route remains unprotected and enables intruders to execute an attack with relatively little risk.

A wide range of defence solutions can be deployed to detect and respond to such threats including radar, sonar and anti diver nets etc. but in addition to these measures it is important to be able to provide a means of communication and if necessary, disruption to any divers detected in the area.

Diver Threat Defence

Westminster International's Enforcer System is an acoustic marine defence application that is designed to work in conjunction with other diver detection systems such as sonar etc. Westminster's Enforcer is both an underwater communications system, and a high powered acoustic disruption system which can be used to 'warn off' or if necessary, 'disrupt' any unauthorised divers detected in the protected area.

Integrated Command & Control

Westminster International is proud to offer an exclusive bespoke Integrated Command & Control system tailored to our client's needs, that are capable of controlling all of the above systems from one command & control centre.

Since maritime security may need to be under the command of senior security officials in a centralised location, Westminster provide integrate systems that provide a means of consolidated reporting, tracking and proactive defence.

Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vessels

AUV Autonomous Underwater Vessel

An AUV is effectively an underwater robot which can travel underwater either on a pre-programmed planned mission or be wireless controlled by a remote operator.

They are available in varying sizes and configuration dependant on their mission design and sensor payload.

AUV's are driven by small but very efficient electric motors powered by re-chargeable batteries.

With the increasing availability of new sensor technologies to survey and monitor underwater activity AUV's are now being used extensively today by Naval and commercial organisations to carryout underwater missions and tasks.

Typical AUV Activities

• Anti-Submarine warfare;
• Environmental undersea monitoring;
• Mine hunting and counter measures;
• Monitoring undersea geological activity;
• Oceanic hydrographical surveying
• Port & Harbour continuous monitoring of sea bottom for suspicious or dangerous objects;
• Port & Harbour hydrographical surveying;
• Surveying and monitoring inland waterways;
• Under water asset inspection.
• Under water Naval surveillance and reconnaissance missions;

Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASV)

An ASV is effectively a remote controlled surface vessel that is wireless controlled by an operator based on shore or on another vessel.

They are available in varying sizes and configuration dependant on their mission design and equipment payload.

ASV's are typically driven by conventional marine outboard or inboard diesel engines; they are very manoeuvrable and fast, with some versions capable of exceeding 90 knots.

They are now being used extensively today by Navies throughout the world to carryout un-manned surface missions and tasks.

Typical ASV Activities

• Anti-Submarine warfare;
• Mine hunting and counter measures;
• Naval surveillance and reconnaissance missions;
• Stopping and inspection of vessels;
• Training.

With the recent resurgent of pirate activities and Naval, Customs and Police requirements to approach and inspect vessels that may offer an offensive risk, using an ASV minimises the risks.

ASV's used by Naval, Customs and Police are typically equipped with:-

- Electronic warfare counter measures
- Laser range finder and target illuminator;
- Missiles
- Radar;
- Remotely operated light machine gun;
- Sonar;
- Thermal imaging Day / Night Camera on telescopic pole;

ASV Naval Target Drones

These are designed for use for naval gunnery training, weapons testing and ship command and control assessments.

They are usually constructed from aluminium, designed to be highly survivable and repairable.

The outboard engine is contained in recessed protected area that along with the electronics enclosure is fitted with ballistic protection panels.

They are operated individually or as part of a swarm.

Remote Operated Vessel (ROV)

An ROV is an underwater unoccupied vessel that is remotely controlled and powered via in umbilical cable typically by an operator on a surface ship; they often operate at depths that exceed the reach of divers.

ROVs can be fitted with various sensors, sampling systems, cameras and robotic arms to carry out many tasks

Typical ROV Activities

• Deep sea oceanographic research;
• Inspecting undersea structures such as oil and gas rigs;
• Locating and exploring shipwrecks;
• Location of lost pipe inspection gauges (PIGS) in under sea pipelines;
• Mine hunting;
• Monitoring the undersea environment.