75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned, and 90% of those were not wearing PFDs.

Locating a mariner in distress is the most critical – and often most difficult – part of a search and rescue effort, even under ideal conditions. Add confusion, wave action, sun glare, darkness, fog, and possible injuries to the mix, and your situation has just taken on a whole new dimension.

This is why a major factor in any SAR equation is which assets are closest to the scene, because every minute the search goes on, the chances of a successful rescue diminish, especially since 90% of those victims are not wearing PFDs.

If there is a facility or asset already in the area on a routine patrol or training mission, it's likely to be used. Whatever is closest will be sent, whether it's a helicopter, a 378-foot cutter, or an Auxiliary aircraft or surface vessel. The sooner a case can be resolved, the better.

Advances in personal handheld infrared scanning devices have now made this technology affordable to the average mariner.

Thermal imaging devices detect an object's emitted heat (far-infrared), creating temperature maps, while standard infrared (IR) cameras detect reflected IR light, often using an illuminator for general night vision or security, meaning thermal sees heat itself, while IR sees reflected light, making thermal superior in total darkness or for diagnostics, while standard IR offers clearer visuals with some ambient light.

Thermal Imaging

What it detects: Heat energy (far-infrared) that objects emit.

How it works: Senses temperature differences, showing hotter areas as brighter colors and cooler areas as darker colors (or vice versa).

Light requirement: None; works in total darkness because everything emits heat.

Best for: Finding people in smoke/darkness, electrical fault detection, HVAC issues, building energy loss, firefighting.

Image output: Heat signatures (thermal maps).

the SPG will be seeking Division 7 Surface Operation crews to evaluate these devices in various conditions, including day, twilight, and night.

On-water testing and evaluation is planned to begin in the Summer of 2026.