By Pamela Bennett


Unmanned surface vessels or USVs refer to vehicles that operate on the water surface without the need for a crew. They are also referred to as autonomous surface vehicles or ASVs. These types of vehicles are used for a number of applications putting in mind the various industries they can be used. They are also used for different functions in different industries. This is what Unmanned surface vessel manufacturers are all about.

It so happens that whenever the topic of autonomous surface vessels comes up, the first thought in the minds of most people is naval applications. While this may be true to some extent, it is clear that majority are not familiar with areas in which these vessels are used. It is this lack of knowledge that contributes to most people restricting their thinking of USVs to naval application. People should know that USVs are a valuable part of the weather forecasting industry and oceanography.

Compared to other alternatives such as drifting or moored weather buoys, USVs have far much more capabilities. Also, they are a cost effective alternative in comparison to research vessels and weather ships. In terms of flexibility, they outweigh commercial-ship contributions by far. The other sector that relies heavily on these vehicles is the hydrographic survey.

A good example of USVs is the wave glider. These vessels are designed such that they utilize wave energy primarily for propulsion. Their electronics are also powered by powerful solar cells. For this reason, these devices are able to keep their marine presence for a couple of months. Information collected by these pieces of equipment is normally used in academic and naval applications.

With USVs, it is now simpler for activities like monitoring the health and well-being of marine wildlife. Also, it is easier monitor charting shifting sandbars along coastlines. The military is a big stakeholder in the ASV sector. Here, ASVs are applied in mine-hunting and powering seaborne targets. Some ASVs have specials designs that give them offensive capabilities.

Technological advancements have made it possible for ASVs to be deployed in direct support of combat missions. On such missions, their duty is normally providing countermine or physical environmental data. They provide important clandestine capabilities and standoff. Normally, they are operated in partly or fully autonomous modes. Unfortunately, most current models lack intelligent and adaptive capabilities. The absence of these features limits their usage.

Experts are currently working on USVs that can be used to offer harbor security. This is aimed at improving the safety of passengers on ship. With USVs it is believed that they can be able to play a role in de-risking operations and improving operational efficiencies. It is also believed that they will be used to increase the safety while navigating especially within ports, anchorage and passage areas.

To finalize, generally the invention of USVs has lots of benefits than its shortcomings. Also, with each research and test chances of overcoming the shortcomings and discovering new things rises each day. At this rate, keeping nautical charts updated will be among the easiest tasks. Vessels, passengers, mariners, and luggage will be safer in the future in a world full of USVs operating at 100 percent efficiency.




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