Real-time tracking project to improve evacuations

The European Union is funding a Cyprus-led real-time tracking project to support a safe and efficient evacuation from cruise ships and ferries to prevent loss of life.

The Lynceus2Market project uses a system that locates and tracks individuals during emergencies on ships and also in the sea if they fall overboard.

Named after the Argonaut in Greek mythology with extremely keen eyesight, the Lynceus system includes smart gateways that establish an on-board wireless network, smart life jackets, bracelets or cabin keycards with low-power embedded electronic tags, and hand-held scanning devices that identify and count passengers during evacuations.

It is complemented by decision-support software that integrates data for real-time visualisation and signal detectors to quickly find people in the water. 

SignalGeneriX Cyprus Technical Manager Antonis Kalis said the system was designed to replace the captain’s paper decks plan. 

“This interface is similar to the paper plan, so it can be used without much new training,” Kalis said.

“The difference is that with the electronic version you can actually see where everyone is. You can zoom in on different decks and see how many people are there. It’s much more functional than the paper and pencil version.”

The smart bracelet also monitors the passenger’s heartbeat and could be used to locate lost children.

Lynceus technology is designed to be easily integrated into new and existing passenger ship infrastructures.

The project is a collaboration between 16 partners from eight European countries (Cyprus, UK, Norway, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Greece), including cruise ship owners and operators, maritime-equipment manufacturers, industry associations, and research and technology organisations.