 US Department of Transportation SeaVision Logo | |
Type of site | Government |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Cambridge, MA ,USA |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Created by | U.S. Department of Transportation |
| URL | https://info.seavision.volpe.dot.gov/ |
| Launched | 2012 |
| Current status | Active |
SeaVision is a web-based maritime situational awareness platform hosted by theUnited States Department of Transportation It is designed to support maritime operations, enhance security, and foster partnerships within the maritime community.[1] The platform enables users to access and share diverse maritime information and incorporates rules-based analytics to monitor activities and generate alerts for predefined events. SeaVision is recognized for its cost-effectiveness and its ability to integrate and correlate data from multiple sources, making it a versatile tool for addressing a wide range of operational and mission-specific requirements[2] but has been observed to have limitations due to its data quality and data availability.[3]
SeaVision is a maritime domain awareness tool initially developed in 2012[4] by Brendon Providence at theU.S. Department of Transportation'sJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center forU.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF).[5] It was later co-developed by theNaval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC-PAC).[6] Originally designed for maritime situational awareness, the platform has expanded into a globally utilized multinational information-sharing tool.
SeaVision serves as the primary tool employed by the Volpe Center to support NAVAF activities. NAVAF conducts four maritime domain awareness exercises annually, during which the Volpe Center provides technical support and assists participating countries in analyzing SeaVision data. [7]
Since its launch, SeaVision has undergone continuous development and refinement, incorporating user feedback, technological advancements, and extensive improvements to its Automatic Identification System (AIS) capabilities. In 2018, a significant milestone was achieved when 20 African nations began contributing their data to the system, as noted by Henry Wychorski, an electronics engineer at the Volpe Center. [7]
SeaVision has been utilized in several multinational exercises, including Obangame Express in March 2017 and the annual Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise in 2018, where it served as the primary tool.[8]
As of January 2024, artificial intelligence algorithms have been integrated into SeaVision to process search and rescue data, enhancing its capabilities.[9] In March 2024,Planet Labs Federal, a subsidiary of Planet Labs, was awarded a contract by NIWC-PAC to incorporate Planet's SkySat and PlanetScope data into the platform.[10]
SeaVision is a web-based maritime visualization and information management tool designed to enhance maritime situational awareness. It enables users to view ship positions on a map, analyze historical movement patterns, and access unclassified data in near real-time through a shared data network.[7] The platform is primarily used by the U.S. Department of the Navy and approved coalition partners, with access restricted to nations that contribute data to the system.[5]
SeaVision integrates data from multiple sources, including coastal radar, satellite imaging, and government and commercial datasets. It incorporates information from systems such as theMaritime Safety and Security Information System (MSSIS), which sharesAutomatic Identification System (AIS) data among international partners. Additional data sources include satellite systems fromNASA andNOAA, coastal radar networks, and SatelliteSynthetic Aperture Radar (SAT-SAR).[5]
The system also supports the integration of commercial datasets, such as Satellite Terrestrial AIS for global vessel tracking, Maritime Risk and Port Risk datasets for monitoring security incidents, and risk scores from Fairplay's World Registry of Ships.[5] SeaVision tracks vessels, monitorsExclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and identifies vessels of interest (VOIs) based on automated rules and risk assessments.[11]
SeaVision provides additional analytical capabilities through the integration of data from Global Fishing Watch, offering insights into maritime vessel encounters and loitering behaviors. Its features include custom alerts, historical tracking, and vessel identification.[12] The platform supports maritime safety and security efforts globally, with particular application in regions such as West Africa.
SeaVision operates on browsers such as Firefox andInternet Explorer 11 and is designed to address certain limitations of similar tools, such as high subscription costs and extensive storage or bandwidth requirements.[5][8] Its unclassified structure supports data import/export and facilitates collaboration among international partners.[5]
SeaVision has certain limitations that have been identified:
SeaVision is utilized by both military and non-military organizations to support maritime domain awareness (MDA). For example, in Kenya, local government agencies employ SeaVision to develop a more comprehensive understanding of maritime activities.[13]
Kiruja Micheni, a project manager for theDjibouti Code of Conduct with theInternational Maritime Organization (IMO), has noted the role of SeaVision and regional exercises such asCutlass Express in promoting collaboration among practitioners and nations. The United States Navy reports that these initiatives facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices, strengthening the capacity of partner nations to address maritime security challenges by connecting regional centers.[13]
SeaVision follows a development strategy focused on regular updates and iterative improvements to maintain application reliability and responsiveness to user needs. This strategy includes: