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Wireless Waterways program. As reported in the October 2012 edition of MarineNews, the $1.3 million wireless proj- ect was funded by a $975,000 federal port security grant and $325,000 from the nonproÞ t port commission, an organiza- tion that supports the regionÕs river transportation system. The event provided an opportunity for companies with technolo- gies that could Þ t into the Wireless Waterways framework, and also contribute to needs of the Port to demonstrate those tech- nologies. SURVICE participated with its patented ARGUS platform, deployed on the RiverQuest Explorer, on Campbell Transportation and Consol Energy vessels and on the Platypus unmanned surface vessel. ARGUS solutions were displayed on the Maritime Situational Awareness Portal (MSAP) and re- freshed every two minutes based on incoming data, providing real-time display of bathymetry updates through the wireless Portal. The solution sets, received from active vessels, truly represented a Þ rst in the application of crowd source bathym- etry and went right to the heart of its purpose, providing users with current information. Participants & Partners Over time, many commercial, private and pleasure opera- tors have participated in the ARGUS effort. Commercial Þ rms such as McAllister towing, at least one cruise line operator (who did not want to be identiÞ ed), Rivercrest (classroom), Campbell Transportation, Consol Energy, and the Platypus unmanned surface vessel have all at one time or another had ARGUS equipment deployed on board. Beyond this, ARGUS has collaborated on one level or another with the port of Pitts- burgh, NOAA, the University of New Hampshire and many others.Downstream Applications It is hoped that ARGUS eventually will be a primary tool in helping to prioritize dredging areas, surveys and could also substitute for a dredging schedule that may not reß ect real needs. In a world where cruise lines increasingly go to places not considered mainstream ports that lack reliable soundings, the participation of local boaters in the ARGUS scheme could www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 43MTR #8 (34-49).indd 43MTR #8 (34-49).indd 4310/15/2013 4:33:33 PM10/15/2013 4:33:33 PM
