Drones to help Coast Guard

SANDUSKY — Leveraging a contract to enhance maritime domain awareness, the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District will deploy autonomous drones to support Coast Guard missions on the Great Lakes this year. A statement noted how these wind- and solar-powered vessels will help the Coast Guard: • Monitor the Great Lakes • Gather critical weather data for emergency response planning • Track illicit activity • Keep maritime borders safe "The autonomous vessels are highly visible, equipped with radar, cameras and collision-avoidance artificial intelligence and monitored 24/7 by human operators who can take manual control if needed," according to the statement. "Sail drones are equipped with sensors that are strictly focused on maritime domain awareness, providing critical information on vessel activities, including vessels in distress or conducting illegal operations." In short, "These autonomous systems augment the essential needs of our fully qualified Coast Guard crews operating on the Great Lakes," the statement read.