WaterWatch®

The WaterWATCH prototype program, developed for the US Army Materiel Command and AMRDEC, represents a significant port and waterway security leap forward. This comprehensive automated situational awareness system designed to provide a Common Operating Picture (COP) for detecting and managing various threats across multiple domains. At its core, WaterWATCH utilizes an integrated C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) architecture, forming the backbone of a cloud- based IT solution that addresses threats in the air, on land, on water surfaces, and beneath the waves. The system's capabilities are both extensive and impressive. WaterWATCH can identify and track potential intruders, from swimmers (with or without scuba gear) to small watercraft, mines, airborne threats, and even semi-submersibles and full submersibles. This multi-domain threat detection through a sophisticated array of technologies, including Paragon's specialized CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) sensor array, high-fidelity surveillance cameras, and a robust, self-healing mesh network that ensures constant connectivity and data flow. What sets WaterWATCH apart is its integration of cutting-edge technologies. The system leverages Internet-of-Things (IoT) capabilities and cloud computing to process and analyze data in near real-time. It employs advanced video analytics for automated threat assessment and alarming and provides real-time geographical information system (GIS) based sensor data. Including high-fidelity agent plume modeling further enhances its environmental and threat dispersion analysis capabilities. Flexibility and adaptability are key features of the WaterWATCH system. Its plug-and-play architecture allows for easy integration of future sensor needs, ensuring the system can evolve with emerging threats and technologies. Communication is facilitated through multiple platforms, including 3G/4G, WiFi, WiMAX, Satcom, and Microwave, providing redundancy and reliability in data transmission. Integrating hand-held devices adds another layer of operational flexibility, allowing for "on-the-move" situational awareness and 24/7 operational readiness. The advantages of WaterWATCH are clear. It offers a robust, multifaceted approach to security, providing near real-time data to any location with network access. The system's mobility is enhanced through hand-held device integration, allowing for mobile threat observation, control, and assessment. Its scalability ensures it can adapt to future challenges, while its comprehensive situational awareness capabilities offer a unified view for effective threat management. The WaterWATCH prototype program represents a significant advancement in maritime and port security. Combining advanced sensor technologies, robust networking, and flexible deployment options offers a powerful tool for detecting, tracking, and responding to a wide range of potential threats. This system has the potential to significantly enhance the security posture of critical maritime infrastructures, providing the US Army Materiel Command and AMRDEC with a cutting-edge solution for protecting vital waterways and port facilities.