ZOE: Man-Overboard Detection System

Traditional man-overboard scenarios are fraught with challenges. Even when a person falls during daylight and is witnessed by crew, the victim quickly becomes a small head bobbing in the waves as the vessel moves away. On small craft, rapid return may be possible, but on large vessels like North Sea ferries or freighters, stopping alone can take miles. Without immediate detection, the chances of locating the victim drop to 20%.

The ZOE system addresses this with multi-spectral sensor cameras providing 360‑degree monitoring in all weather conditions, day or night. Combining thermal and high‑definition visible light cameras, it uses computer vision and machine learning trained on over 9.5 million annotated maritime objects. The system instantly detects a person falling overboard and tracks them continuously.

ZOE has now been certified to ISO 21195:2020 by Lloyd’s Register. During a 90‑day trial, it achieved a 97% detection rate – exceeding the minimum requirement – while generating only one false alarm per day. Additionally, independent testing confirmed the system can detect children and infants as well as adults.