A self-driving boat that patrols the waters and can help prevent people drowning sounds like a concept from a science fiction film.
However, it will soon become a reality in Dubai, say senior figures from the emirate's police, who said the vessel could be fully operational within the first quarter of this year, featuring cameras and sensors that can map the seabed, identify objects, detect leaks in vessels and navigate through designated co-ordinates provided by a control centre.
The boat called Haddad, which runs on electricity generated from wind and water, uses AI-powered imaging systems and compares information with police databases.
“[Haddad] will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the emirate’s extensive coastline,” said Lt Col Ali Al Naqbi, director of Maritime Rescue and deputy director of Dubai’s Ports Police Station. “In emergency situations, Haddad accelerates response times by reaching incident sites faster than traditional rescue teams. It will deliver comprehensive area assessments to prepare rescue teams for the challenges ahead.”
The boat will be equipped with life-jackets and other “life-saving tools” including a microphone to allow rescue teams, based elsewhere, to communicate with survivors during any rescue operation. Lt Col Al Naqbi explained how the boat could be the first line of defence in coastal safety. “It reduces [the need for] relying on human divers and reduces divers’ exposure to hazardous conditions such as strong currents, extreme cold and poor visibility,” he said.
Haddad also includes a 360-degree visual surveillance system that enables it to read and analyse the licences of other marine vessels. It offers a control range of up to 25 kilometres and can instantly identify infractions such as unauthorised access or expired licences and issue alerts. It also provides live broadcasting during missions.
The boat is currently undergoing work to improve image and data transmission, night vision and clarity during foggy conditions. Tentative plans are under way to expand the number of such vessels on the emirate's waters.
Shoring up sustainability
Measuring 4.5 metres in length and weighing up to 200kg, Haddad is engineered with features designed to enhance rescue missions and ensure environmental sustainability, helping to reduce up to 5.170 tonnes of carbon emissions, Lt Col Al Naqbi said.
“Sustainability is at the core of our operations,” he said. “Haddad can reach speeds of up to 18 knots [33kph] and operate for eight hours on a single charge, making it both efficient and eco-friendly.”
To the rescue
Brig Dr Hassan Suhail Al Suwaidi, director of the Ports Police Centre, said the project was the latest step in efforts to harness technology to improve rescue services.
“Our centre consistently develops and upgrades the systems used in security and rescue operations, both at sea and during flash floods,” he said. “This includes deploying a submarine a few years ago that reaches depths of 300 feet [91m] to locate and assist victims, and using drones for surveillance and rescue operations.”
Developments may include equipping drones with rescue lines to aid in water operations, he added.
From the beginning of last year to the end of November, the centre handled 125 maritime incidents, issuing 262 penalty notices for violations involving jet skis, 234 for those involving various marine vessels and 14 involving ships.
Among the incidents was a fire on a wooden floating restaurant in Dubai. “It was fortunately unoccupied at the time, preventing injuries,” with the blaze suspected to have been caused by an electrical issue, Brig Al Suwaidi said.
A collaboration between Dubai Police, Civil Defence and the Ports Police Station helped control the fire quickly and with minimal damage. “The incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance for marine vessels, such as floating restaurants and yachts, to ensure their safety and readiness,” he said.
The ports centre also covered 73 events last year, including 45 races.
Going overboard
This is not the only example of automated boats in Dubai's waters. In May 2023 the emirate's first self-driving electric wooden abra was launched to boost efforts to cut carbon emissions and enhance the emirate's self-driving transport goals.
Autonomous boats are not an unfamiliar sight in other parts of the world either. The Netherlands has trialled vessels called Roboats to transport passengers and collect waste in canals. Stockholm in Sweden is home to the Zeabuz ferry, which began operations in June 2023, carrying up to 12 passengers at a time in a boat with no one at the helm.
Emergency tech
The use of cutting-edge latest technology by emergency services is nothing new. In July last year, Dubai Police announced they were using drones, identifiable by their clear blue markings, to respond to incidents in the emirate.
“We aim to utilise cutting-edge technology to boost safety and security by swiftly responding to emergencies, in line with the highest global standards. Dubai Police drones are designed to serve you,” the force said on X.
Police also operated four drones at the Expo 2020 Dubai event to help keep the perimeters of the world’s fair secure. It was estimated that The Drone Box, run by Dubai Police, had cut police response time to criminal and traffic reports from 4.4 minutes to one.
Sharjah Civil Defence said firefighting drones equipped with water tanks would be deployed to help extinguish high-rise building blazes from the early part of this year.
The Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police unveiled a drone traffic light at the World Police Summit in Dubai in 2023. The drone is designed to step in when traffic lights have malfunctioned, instead of officers directing vehicles.
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