Aklanon team develops maritime safety app

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

A team from Aklan State University has created a mobile application to enhance safety and efficient maritime transport systems and services.

The project team, led by Prof. Julie Ann Salido, includes members such as Engr. Abraham A. Porcal, Dr. Ma. Fe Popes, Prof. Mary Ann Martirez, Miguel Von Oquendo, Kirk Hilario, and Zyrel Oquendo.

The team conducted a pilot test of the mobile application for data acquisition in small crafts at Boracay Island in May. After further development and refinement, they presented the final version of the app in late June.

The development of the application was funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

“It’s 100% accomplished based on the target activity and 6P’s [of the DOST] (Publication, Patent/Intellectual Property, Product, People Service, Place and Partnership, and Policy),” Salido said, emphasizing that team is now ready to implement the app and make it available for adoption by relevant agencies and local government units.

The application will be called Project SEAWAVeS or Sea-condition Emergency Alert and Warning Apparatus for Vessels Safety, according to the DOST-Western Visayas regional director Rowen Gelonga.

The mobile app is designed to be installed on Android phones. Boats carrying passengers will have a mobile phone containing the installed app.

The application utilizes the boat’s movement at sea to measure the size of waves. It then employs communication networks to transmit this data from end-user devices to the cloud via the Internet.

In the event of an emergency, Gelonga said the app would promptly send real-time alerts to the nearby Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) if it detects significant waves.

She added that through the mobile app, the PCG can issue advisories regarding sea conditions to ensure the safety of boat operations and sea sports for both tourists and the general public.

The mobile app is set to launch later this year in Boracay and Guimaras.