From cannons to codes: the RNLI and international SAR digital transformation
The RNLI is a charity with a constant presence around the shores of the UK and Ireland, providing a 24/7 search and rescue service. Founded in 1824, the RNLI has saved tens of thousands of lives. A report published this year estimates that four million people are alive today thanks to its crucial work. The RNLI receives no government funding, its operations depend on voluntary donations and legacies.
Maritime critical communications in the early days
Maritime search and rescue has changed considerably over the past two centuries. Shipwrecks around the coast had been a frequent occurrence, leading to a considerable loss of life. In the first few years of the RNLI, alerting the coastguard crews relied on shore-based systems such as flags, flares and even whistles, bells and cannons. Once at sea, those early lifeboat crews had limited communication with the stricken vessel. Today, the situation is very different – with artificial intelligence (AI) playing an increasingly important role. Critical communications are advancing as never before.
The challenge of critical communications at sea
It is not difficult to understand why maritime search and rescue (SAR) face so many challenges. The world’s oceans are vast and unpredictable. As global sea levels rise, the tests facing the RNLI and other international SARs are increasing. Every second counts in a rescue operation, with a scarcity of data posing significant problems for maritime rescue teams. Traditional, human-led methods rely on skill, experience and a limited amount of data.
The AI advantages for maritime search and rescue
AI systems can offer huge advantages to SARs by rapidly analysing vast amounts of data to predict a person’s likely location, automate drone and robot-based searches in dangerous areas, and provide real-time intelligence that helps ground teams make faster, more informed decisions.
AI models use predictive analytics to forecast a person or vessel’s likely drift path by analysing huge datasets, including wind speed, ocean currents, tidal patterns, and historical incident data. This analysis creates a probability map that significantly narrows the search area, allowing rescue teams – like those at the RNLI, which already uses data analytics to identify high-risk zones – to be more efficient and focused in their search and rescue efforts. The RNLI has developed a real-time application that shows the current location and status of its lifeboat fleet, detailing which boats are ready to launch, which are not, and the operational status of each station.
AI: a crucial decision-support tool for maritime SAR
This synthesising of multiple real-time data streams including satellite imagery, AIS signals from ships as well as on-board sensor data allows maritime SARs to have a comprehensive operational picture – powered by AI. Human operators are quickly able to identify potential risks and allocate resources more intelligently.
AI powered drones – revolutionising future SAR?
AI-powered drones have the potential to revolutionise future search and rescue (SAR) operations by autonomously scouting large areas to identify people or objects and even delivering life-saving equipment such as flotation devices. This advancement requires a “human-in-the-loop” approach, ensuring that AI remains a tool to assist, not replace, the critical judgment and bravery of human volunteers.
Research into the use of AI in maritime SAR
A recent comprehensive literature review by a team of Danish researchers explored the Challenges and AI-driven solutions in maritime search and rescue planning. The review studied how integrating AI can transform these systems, highlighting its potential to improve decision-making, enhance adaptability, and optimise resource allocation. The analysis identifies key challenges in traditional search and rescue and proposes AI-driven solutions that offer more efficient and resilient coordination. The study also reveals a need for more research into fully integrating AI across all stages of maritime search and rescue to create a more autonomous and effective system.
At the centre of the solution for maritime SAR: Multitone Nucleus™
Multitone Nucleus™ is an advanced communication platform designed as a central hub for mission-critical industries such as SAR, making secure, AI-powered communication possible.
Multitone’s safe, multi-network support reliably sends real-time, AI-generated insights and alerts to crews in the field, while it seamlessly integrates with AI applications, creating a cohesive and efficient ecosystem. Together with the Multitone Appear Crew App, these solutions provide seamless, secure communication to assist maritime SAR: where every second truly counts.
Multitone has been working in SAR for many years and is well known for its leadership in critical communications in the arena as a trusted partner.
