Boatwatch.org has been alerted to several ocean-going robots, known as Wave Gliders, washing up on beaches around the world. They present a very low profile on the surface (like a surfboard), and would be very difficult to spot without a sharp lookout. Blue water voyagers should be aware of them.

Published 4 years ago

Boatwatch.org has been alerted to several ocean-going robots, known as Wave Gliders, washing up on beaches around the world. They present a very low profile on the surface (like a surfboard), and would be very difficult to spot without a sharp lookout.

https://www.boeing.com/defense/autonomous-systems/wave-glider/

Although these particular Notice to Mariners expired in August 2020, it is important information for all offshore voyagers:

ThayerMahan, Inc. autonomous, unmanned maritime vehicle (Wave Glider-WG) will be transiting from approximately 100 NM East of Port Canaveral, FL to about 100 NM East of Cape May, NJ. The transit will commence on or about 27 May, 2020 and is expected to terminate on or about 27 August, 2020. 24/7 operations consist of scientific ocean data collection.

The Wave Glider carries no fuel, lubricants or hydrocarbons. It is wave powered and remotely attended from the ThayerMahan Operations Center, moving at speeds of about 1kt, and is designed to automatically give way if encountered by a vessel transmitting AIS.

It is approximately 6.5’ x 2’ (surfboard size), copper in color, with a contact plaque and mast extending 3’ above the water surface. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution.

For more details, contact the ThayerMahan Operations center at 860-969-3171.

Liquid Robotics (www.liquid-robotics.com) will conduct continuous autonomous, unmanned maritime vehicle operations from 23 March through 31 July 2020, within five miles of the line between the following two coordinates: 40° 4′ 37.0236″ N, 66° 27′ 28.6626″ W (40.076950714504356, -66.45796175781251) 36° 48’29.2032″ N, 73° 16′ 29.9208″ W (36.808112043432956, -73.27497835937501).

Operations consist of scientific ocean data collection.

Wave Gliders carry no fuel, lubricants, or hydrocarbons, are wave powered, remotely attended from our Wave Glider Operations Center (WGOC), moving at speeds of typically 1kt, and designed to give way or part if encountered by a vessel. They are surfboard size, black in color, with a contact plaque.

Mariners are urged to transit the area with caution. For up-to-date information, mariners can contact Liquid Robotics Operations Center at +1 408 636 4205, or by email at support@liquid-robotics.com

BoatWatch.org spoke with a representative of Liquid Robotics who manufacture these devices. They are sold to a variety of customers, presumably geological and weather related organizations, as well as military organizations. All these devices receive AIS traffic from nearby vessels and will take evasive measures to avoid a collision. The devices DO NOT transmit an AIS signal. However, it is entirely up to the owner of the device whether to have it lit with a light at night, or display a flag or radar reflector to increase it’s visibility to other vessels in the area.

Blue water voyagers should be aware of them.

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