An autonomous sensor platform vessel for marine protected area monitoring

Development of an autonomous surface vessel platform for marine sensing is presented. Much of the design characteristics are general, but a specific application related to monitoring of designated coastal marine protected areas is discussed. The sensor platform vessel described is small, approximately 35 lbs in air, and designed for low power requirements. The power requirements for propulsion are examined and show that an estimated 5 W average power is expected to be sufficient to operate the vessel at its maximum speed. Initial tests verify operation of the vessel´s navigation algorithm to control heading in a sheltered harbor.