MCA USES AI TO SIMULATE SAR MISSIONS

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has partnered with artificial intelligence technology company, Faculty, on a major programme to build the next generation of UK search and rescue.

Faculty is using advanced analytics and machine learning technology to analyse historical data on 9,000 search and rescue mission requests covering 43 months. MCA is working with Faculty to generate simulated missions data to test the robustness of its findings.

“Every day the UK’s search and rescue fleet is out saving lives and we’re immensely proud to be working with it,” said Tom Nixon, director of Faculty’s government practice. “Taking this step puts the MCA in the vanguard of data-driven public services and shows the important role data science can play in supporting the procurement process,” he added.

The work will help inform planning for the successor to the UK’s search and rescue helicopter capability, Search and Rescue 2nd generation (UKSAR2G). Faculty is working with the MCA to design simulation tools that will allow aviation partners bidding for UKSAR2G to virtually test performance against a variety of future scenarios.

The UK’s search and rescue helicopter fleet, with its distinctive red and white livery, comprises 21 aircraft operating from ten locations across the UK.

By Rebecca Strong

Source: Maritime Journal, Oct 23, 2020