A multi-drone system to enhance divers’ safety at sea has been developed by a collaboration led by the Institute for Aerospace Technologies at the University of Malta and Divers Code.

The project was made possible through an investment of €200,000 in funds from the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST).

The BEA project, is intended to mitigate this risk at sea through a system of drones, one operating underwater, a platform on the water surface, and one in the air, to support and monitor the safety of divers.

During the presentation of the project it was explained that more specifically, the system consists of a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV), a floating platform and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). While the ROV follows the diver, the floating platform acts also as a resting platform hosting critical support and first aid kit.

It also acts as the communication link between the underwater ROV and the hovering drone. On the other hand, the drone detects boats and relays the message ensuring that it is safe for the diver to surface.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti said, “the use of technology and technological devices is essential for us to progress in various sectors. Nowadays, technology is essential in order to continue to improve the quality of people’s lives.”

He added that, “innovative projects such as today’s, thanks to the work carried out in local research and innovation, do not only continue to grow the economy in the local and international market, but also the name of our country among other countries in the world.”

He emphasised the importance that the Government is giving to the research and innovation sector in order to reach the goals set for the Smart Specialisation strategy, including the maritime sector in this case.

Dr Tonio Portughese, MCST Chairman said that “these projects contribute to economic growth in the technology, research and innovation areas, but also, as in this case, to improve the quality of the product that our islands offer in many other areas, such as tourism.”

He added that the tourism sector is one of the major pillars of our economy, and includes a growing percentage of niche tourism, over 5%, that visit our islands to enjoy the clear waters and many unique diving sites, many of which with great historical value, available.

BEA project coordinator Dr Robert Camilleri said “that drones are playing a bigger role in many aspects of our life. Therefore, research on collaboration between drones is important.”

Project BEA is financed by the Malta Council for Science & Technology, for and on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology, through the FUSION: R&I Technology Development Programme.

Photograph: University of Malta

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