IMS integrates surface wave radar with existing assets for continuous surveillance of the EEZ

A demonstration integrated maritime surveillance (IMS) system to be implemented on the east coast of Canada will provide 24 hour coverage of surface ships and aircraft to beyond the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The system will enhance the protection of offshore resources (fishing, oil and natural gas), support better search and rescue services and combat smuggling, drug trafficking, the illegal dumping of pollutants and other activities prejudicial to the nation. HF surface wave radar, the key sensor in IMS, is the only land-based sensor capable of over-the-horizon detection and tracking of airborne and surface targets in all weathers. Trials conducted using two experimental facilities in Newfoundland successfully demonstrated the detection of aircraft, ships and icebergs at ranges out to 200 nautical miles. Effective surveillance requires not only detection, but also the identification of targets. In the IMS system, automatic dependent surveillance (ADS) systems are augmented by surface wave radar data from overlapping radar sites, combined at the sensor level. Target attributes are then correlated with the tracks. Attributes are obtained from a variety of other sources including airborne and surface vessel radar contacts, visual sightings and radio contact reports. At an operations control centre, work-stations provide access to the system and enable operators to compile a composite picture of activity in the EEZ