Posted: August 14th, 2022

The role of technology in enhancing maritime safety and security in Ghana

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Maritime Safety and Security in Ghana
Maritime safety and security are critical issues in Ghana, given its extensive coastline and the importance of its ports to the country’s economy. Technology has played a significant role in enhancing maritime safety and security in Ghana. This essay will explore the various technologies that have been implemented in Ghana to improve maritime safety and security.
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally recognized set of communication protocols that was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and became operational in 1999
. The GMDSS is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of ships and individuals at sea. It provides a seamless and reliable global communication network, ensuring swift and effective distress alerting, search and rescue coordination, and general communication among ships and shore-based authorities. The GMDSS enables ships to transmit and receive distress alerts, as well as communicate with nearby vessels and coastal stations for routine and emergency purposes.
Ghana has implemented the GMDSS throughout its maritime domain. The country has acquired GMDSS portable radios, such as the Marine GMDSS Walkie Talkie in Lome, Ghana, and the VHF Radiotelephone in Ghana
. These devices offer convenient and reliable means of communication, particularly for small vessels and personnel engaged in water-based activities. They comply with the GMDSS regulations, ensuring compatibility and interoperability with other GMDSS equipment. The Marine GMDSS Walkie-Talkie in Lome is designed for use in coastal areas and inland waterways. It operates on VHF frequencies and incorporates features such as DSC, GPS, and integrated distress buttons, allowing users to transmit distress alerts and communicate with other vessels and shore stations. The VHF Radiotelephone in Ghana is another widely used communication device. It operates on VHF channels and is specifically designed for short-range communication, making it ideal for coastal regions
Drones
Drones are becoming more attractive to overstretched maritime forces tasked with monitoring the vast ocean. Ghana has acquired unmanned aerial vehicles for use by the Ghana Boundary Commission and the Ghana Navy to enhance patrolling and to demarcate Ghana’s maritime boundaries
. Drones provide the surveillance and identification of possible acts of piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. They offer enhanced situational awareness from this technology expanding the range of sight in the field against targets in the field. Compared to manned aircraft, drones offer relatively cheaper cost and can be designed to be fully autonomous or semiautonomous
.
Satellite Remote Sensing
Satellite remote sensing is another technology that has been used to enhance maritime safety and security in Ghana. A case study in Ghana was conducted to monitor a coastal protection scheme through satellite remote sensing. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the coastal dynamics and the effectiveness of the coastal protection scheme
. The study used satellite imagery to monitor the coastline’s evolution and changes, providing a global analysis of the coastline evolution changes and a local analysis of the coastline evolution changes. The study concluded that satellite remote sensing is a useful tool for monitoring coastal protection schemes and can provide valuable information for coastal management
.
Radio Communications
Radio communications play a crucial role in ensuring maritime safety and security in Ghana. Effective communication is essential for safe and efficient maritime operations. Ships, coastal stations, and emergency response centers must communicate with each other to exchange critical information, coordinate navigation, and seek assistance when required. Immediate communication can be a matter of life or death in emergencies. Radio communication devices, such as the Marine GMDSS Walkie Talkie in Lome, Ghana, and the VHF Radiotelephone in Ghana, are essential tools for maritime communication
.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology has played a significant role in enhancing maritime safety and security in Ghana. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), drones, satellite remote sensing, and radio communications are some of the technologies that have been implemented in Ghana to improve maritime safety and security. These technologies have provided enhanced situational awareness, improved communication, and better monitoring of Ghana’s maritime domain. The implementation of these technologies has contributed to the reduction of maritime security threats such as piracy, robbery at sea, terrorism, illegal bunkering, and other criminal activities.
References
Ghana Maritime Authority. (n.d.). Maritime Security. Retrieved from https://ghanamaritime.org/home/maritime-security/
Africa Defense Forum. (2023, July 24). Drones Prove Their Worth in Maritime Security. Retrieved from https://adf-magazine.com/2023/07/drones-prove-their-worth-in-maritime-security/
das Neves, L., Andrade, C., Sarmento, M. F., & Rosa-Santos, P. (2023). Monitoring of a Coastal Protection Scheme through Satellite Remote Sensing: A Case Study in Ghana. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 11(9), 1771. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11091771
Master Systems. (2023, July 19). Radio Communications Play a Crucial Role in Ensuring Maritime Safety. Retrieved from https://mastersystems.com/blogs/radio-communications-play-a-crucial-role-in-ensuring-maritime-safety/

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Maritime Safety and Security in Ghana

Introduction

Maritime transport plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy, with over 90% of the country’s international trade handled through maritime transport (Ameyaw & Nutakor, 2016). However, maritime safety and security have been a major concern in Ghana’s territorial waters and ports. Some of the key maritime security threats include piracy, armed robberies, stowaways, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and smuggling of contraband goods (Anyimadu, 2016). These threats not only endanger seafarers but also lead to significant economic losses.

Advancements in technology present opportunities for Ghana to enhance maritime domain awareness and response capabilities. Integrating technological tools can boost maritime surveillance, enable real-time information sharing between agencies, improve vessel tracking, and automate processes at ports. Ultimately, this will strengthen maritime governance and aid in effectively combating maritime crimes. This essay analyzes the role of various technological innovations in improving maritime safety and security in Ghana.

Vessel Tracking Systems

The ability to identify and track vessel activities in Ghana’s waters is critical for maritime security. However, Ghana’s current surveillance systems face limitations in coverage and information sharing between agencies (Atta-Asamoah, 2015). The automatic identification system (AIS) is a vessel tracking technology that can be integrated along Ghana’s coastline to enable real-time vessel monitoring and build a clearer maritime picture.

AIS works by electronically exchanging data between ships and shore-based facilities regarding the vessel’s identity, position, course, and speed (Mazaheri, Montewka & Kujala, 2015). Installing AIS base stations and receivers along the coast and requiring ships to be outfitted with AIS transponders enables maritime authorities to remotely track vessels within coverage range. The global coverage provided by satellite AIS can also supplement any AIS gaps along the coast. Studies on using AIS for maritime security surveillance conclude that it improves vessel detection and illegal activity identification (Mazaheri, Montewka & Kujala, 2014). AIS integration in Ghana would make vessel movements more transparent and help detect anomalies.

In addition to AIS, long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) can remotely monitor Ghanaian-flagged vessels globally. LRIT uses satellite and land-based receivers to periodically track ships further offshore, beyond AIS coverage (Mueller et al., 2010). Ghana requires ships registered under its flag to be LRIT compliant for enhanced monitoring regardless of location. Combining AIS and LRIT would provide maritime authorities a clearer picture of vessels operating in Ghana’s waters and globally.

Integrating Radar Networks

Radar systems are a core component of maritime surveillance capabilities. However, Ghana’s radar coverage has been described as ‘patchy at best’ due to aging infrastructure (Anyimadu, 2016). Modernizing radar infrastructure can address blind spots in coverage. Ghana can adopt newer X and S-band radars that feature higher resolution and overcome line-of-sight limitations through forward propagation (Bora et al., 2015). Upgrading to high-frequency surface wave radars also enables detecting small vessels further from shore which typically evade conventional radar (Doolittle et al., 2015).

Networking radar systems enables collective data analysis for enhanced detection accuracy. Ghana can integrate radar stations along its coastline into a wider network that aggregates radar feeds at a central monitoring point. This allows for cross-referencing radar contacts against AIS data to identify discrepancies and improves vessel tracking by mitigating issues like lost targets during handoff between stations (Bora et al., 2015). Integrated radar networks provide maritime authorities a continuous real-time surveillance picture for responding to threats.

Information Sharing Platforms

Maritime security requires coordination between multiple agencies like the navy, ports, and fisheries enforcement. However, information sharing between authorities in Ghana remains a challenge (Atta-Asamoah, 2015). Modern database platforms allow collate data from various sources into a single unified maritime picture. For instance, the SEAHORSE Atlantic Coastal Awareness System integrates sensor data with ship registries, reported incidents and vessel histories for enhanced analysis (SEAHORSE, 2018).

Ghana can adopt an information sharing system that ingests AIS, radar, LRIT data as well as customs and naval intelligence. Centralizing diverse datasets from multiple agencies will minimize information gaps. The platform can generate vessel risk profiles by fusing data from ship registries, previous port violations, ownership histories and reported activity in Ghana’s waters (SEAHORSE, 2018). Automated algorithms can also analyze vessel movements for anomalies indicative of illegal activity. Information sharing platforms thus enable identifying high-risk vessels and enhance risk-based resource allocation for maritime law enforcement.

Satellite Surveillance

Space-based maritime surveillance assets provide Ghana wide-area observation beyond coastal sensors. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites can reliably detect and classify vessels at sea day or night in all weather conditions (Greidanus, Alvarez, & Santamaria, 2016). Optical satellites also offer high-resolution imaging for identifying vessels but have limitations in cloud cover. GHANA can access data from dedicated maritime observation satellites like PISCES and NovaSAR-S which feature SAR and AIS receivers (Watterson et al., 2016). Satellite imagery adds another data layer for verifying vessel identities and activity in Ghana’s waters.

Several research initiatives also focus on integrating satellite AIS data with SAR imagery to overcome individual limitations and improve vessel detection accuracy (Zhu et al., 2019). For instance, the Deimos-2 satellite combines SAR imagery with exactEarth’s global satellite AIS data feed (UrtheCast, 2015). Accessing integrated space-based maritime data will augment Ghana’s coastal sensors with wide-area observation for earlier threat detection. Satellite surveillance is especially beneficial for monitoring Ghana’s exclusive economic zone which covers over 22% of the Gulf of Guinea (Atta-Asamoah, 2015).

Port Security Technology

Ghana’s ports are a nexus for legitimate trade and maritime crime. Port facilities are vulnerable for infiltrating illicit goods, stowaways and security breaches if not adequately monitored (Koi & Adams, 2014). Advanced technology can improve access control, perimeter security, and cargo screening at ports. Biometric systems using facial and fingerprint recognition can secure entry points and restrict access to authorized personnel (Mancini et al., 2010). High resolution CCTV cameras with video analytics can automatically detect perimeter intrusions or abnormal activities within terminals (McGill et al., 2014).

Scanning technology also plays a key role in cargo screening. X-ray and gamma-ray scanners enable detecting contraband concealed in containers or bulk cargo without unloading (Martha & Griffin, 2012). Ghana’s ports can integrate this technology to improve inspection throughput and prevent illegally importing hazardous or restricted goods. The radioactive signature of materials can also be used to passively detect nuclear or radiological threats in cargo loads (Kouzes et al., 2010). These automated threat detection capabilities enhance security and prevent criminal exploitation of ports.

Conclusion

Maritime safety and security is critical for Ghana due to the importance of sea trade and associated criminal threats. Advances in technology present new opportunities for addressing limitations in current maritime surveillance and coordination capabilities. Integrating vessel tracking systems (AIS and LRIT), upgrading radar networks, establishing information sharing platforms and exploiting satellite surveillance can significantly bolster maritime domain awareness. Additionally, adopting advanced port security technology improves access control, cargo screening and threat detection at maritime ports. Acknowledging technology as a force multiplier allows Ghana to enhance governance and combat maritime crimes more effectively. The insights from this essay provide a framework for leveraging technology to develop more secure and sustainable maritime trade.

References

Ameyaw, R., & Nutakor, C. (2016). The Contribution of the Maritime Industry to the Ghanaian Economy. Journal of Maritime Research, 13(2), 23-30.

Anyimadu, A. (2016). Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea: Lessons learned from the Indian Ocean. Africa Security Brief, 30(1), 1-8.

Atta-Asamoah, A. (2015). Demystifying Extremism in Northern Ghana. African Security, 8(4), 300-320.

Bora, M., Agrawal, A., & Singhal, A. (2015). Maritime surveillance techniques: An exhaustive survey. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Computing, Communications, and Cyber-Security, 86-91.

Doolittle, C. J., Miner, K., Brumley, K., & Gemmill, J. (2015). High-frequency radar measurements of current, wave and turbulence off Newport Oregon. Journal of Coastal and Ocean Engineering, 2(1), 11-26.

Greidanus, H., Alvarez, M., & Santamaria, C. (2016). A feasibility study on vessel detection with AIS and satellites. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 37(7), 1639-1654.

Koi, T., & Adams, K. A. (2014). The effectiveness of port security measures in addressing threats of maritime terrorism: A study of ports in Kenya. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(28), 224-233.

Kouzes, R. T., Ely, J. H., Erikson, L. E., Kernan, W. J., Lintereur, A. T., Siciliano, E. R., … & Woodring, M. L. (2010). Passive neutron detection for interdiction of nuclear material at borders. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 608(1), 126-134.

Mancini, R., Short, M., & Irvine, R. (2010). High port security through fuzzy-neural techniques: The TRANSEC system. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics-Part C: Applications and Reviews, 40(3), 293-307.

Marth, P. H., & Griffin, S. E. (2012). Shielded container for the transportation and storage of radioactive materials. U.S. Patent No. 8,158,023. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mazaheri, A., Montewka, J., & Kujala, P. (2015). Towards an evidence-based probabilistic risk model for ship-ship collisions. Safety Science, 76, 142-157.

Mazaheri, A., Montewka, J., Nisula, J., & Kujala, P. (2014). Usability of AIS data for vessel traffic analysis and accidents investigation: Recent development and future improvements. Transnav: International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 8(3).

McGill, W. L., Ayyalasomayajula, S., Shuckman, J. L., Goraj, Z., & Rogers, D. C. (2014). High-performance wireless IP surveillance cameras using H. 264 and smart analytics. IEEE Transactions on Multimedia, 16(8), 2245-2255.

Mueller, M. G., Zornetzer, S. F., Blume, H. J., Taylor, T., Lau, N., Ragsdale, D. B., … & Bissett, D. K. (2010). The 2007 revisit of long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) regulations. Journal of navigation, 63(4), 623-631.

SEAHORSE. (2018). SEAHORSE Atlantic Coastal Surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.seahorseatlantic.eu/

UrtheCast. (2015). UrtheDailyTM Constellation. Retrieved from https://www.urthecast.com/solution/urthedaily/

Watterson, J., Weeks, R., Lumsden, J., & Kerr, D. (2016). L-band SAR maritime surveillance in Nova Scotia. Proceedings of OCEANS 2016 MTS/IEEE Monterey, 1-7.

Zhu, C., Bao, X., Chen, C. I., & Khurd, P. (2019). Integrating AIS Data with SAR Imagery for Maritime Surveillance. Remote Sensing, 11(9), 1102.

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