Maritime Security
The protection of critical coastal and offshore infrastructure and assets is crucial for National and International Security and Economic Development.
The team at Gulf Autonomous Technologies & Consulting (GATCo) has previously developed, implemented and led large scale waterborne security operations for marine security patrol capabilities for the oil industry in Kuwait, working closely with all government entities and agencies.
Coastal Protection Force (CPF)
With highly trained, locally recruited nationals, the conduct of highly visible or discrete marine safety & security patrols, in order to deter, detect & respond to security & safety incidents & protect the personnel, shipping, infrastructure & assets of all companies & organisations operating within offshore spaces & coastal waterways.
By embracing cutting edge technologies and blending them with competent and focussed boat commanders and crew and operations centre staff, the delivery of a potent force multiplier capability.
Key focuses:
- Waterborne patrol for coastal waters & water-adjacent infrastructure
- Ensuring safety and security
- Serving as first responders for coastal water safety rescues
- Other key areas:
- Theft
- Terrorism
- Smuggling
- Sabotage
- Trespassing
Build, Operate, Train and Transfer (BOTT)
Using the BOTT methodology, we believe that the services that we provide can be incrementally transferred to a local team, with on-going support from GATCo as required.
We would provide:
- Support with the selection of staff and management
- A professionally designed training program for recruited nationals
- The joint development of shore-based operational facilities, from which the USV and manned fleet will deploy, return to and be maintained
Bespoke Program
A bespoke USV testing program can be developed in partnership with our clients, to test the robustness of defences to terrorist attack and other malicious incursions, thus allowing security forces to properly understand the capabilities of the equipment that their adversaries may deploy against them.
The task equipped USV’s operating team, as a component part of a blended MSP, would serve as a close radius patrol capability in coastal, shallow blue waters, under the direction of the local authorities Public Safety and Security Departments, whilst also working closely with Border and Customs Guards as required.
Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)
Our team has also led bids on large scale government border and internal security programmes, as well as public sector marine units for coast guard, military and police. Using our knowledge and experience we have developed a maritime safety and security program based on the Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) platform, that can stress test existing capabilities against the latest water-borne threats.
The USVs are fully autonomous and based on COTS technologies, they can be easily adapted to provide not only a rigorous test for facilities, but a defense capability too. By mounting of CCTV, TI, IR etc the USV can quickly become an integral part and force multiplier of any maritime security program (MSP)
USV Capabilities Matrix
| Item | Capability | Remarks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | Autonomous patrolling - pre-programmed routes and user remote controlled in sea states up to 5 | Trackable using transponder feed into GUI, monitored in appropriately configured control room. | Formation/swarm capability being developed - multi-function, task organised flotilla of 2, 3 or more platforms |
| 2.00 | Delivery of payload up to 250KG | Offensive capability or rig/island resupply capability in the event of too high sea state for larger resupply craft/helo | Equivalent to 2 large adults - flotilla of 2, 3 or more platforms can deliver meaningful resupply at sea |
| 3.00 | Continuous patrolling for 235KM @ 27Knots | Subject to payload and sea state – does not include planned/programmed geo stationary engine idle loitering times | Optimal speed/range figures with platform up on plane |
| 4.00 | Full function cameras can be mounted – pitch control capability | TI also | Integration into joint force control centre - discrete capability with its own desk . All video feeds will support 382-bit encryption |
| 5.00 | Coastal and harbour monitoring | Shallow draft and low profile - manoeuverable in shallow and congested waterways. Discrete | Integration into joint force control centre - discrete capability with its own desk |
| 6.00 | Platform for mounting of equipment for sea-bed mapping | Towed array or fitted to hull | |
| 7.00 | Platform for mounting of speakers for omni-directional communications using VoIP | Hailing only | |
| 8.00 | Integrated into coastal defense and monitoring systems | Becoming the eyes and ears for the coastal team - a force multiplier enhancing joint capabilities at minimal cost | |
| 9.00 | Platform to mount searchlights and life support - life raft, flotation etc | Enabling remote search and rescue capability - first responder prior to arrival of larger, slower rescue craft or coast guard helo | |
| 10.00 | Launch platform for GATCCo-manufactured drones with a payload of up to 50kg | Depending on sea state drones can re-tether and re-charge | Resupply at sea |
| 11.00 | Launch platform for weaponry | Targetting controlled remotely | Rocket launch and mini/chain gun capability |
| 12.00 | Rapid response and deployment | Platforms can idle and hold station, to move to task as required. | Can be relieved in place by replacement platforms when refuelling/maint is required |
| 13.00 | Can be programmed to act in formation providing defense capabilities against waterborne attacks | Flare launching, chaff launching etc | Formations can cast propellor/water jet fouling nets |
| 14.00 | Up to 700KM range using long range fuel tanks | Long range deployment and return to and from rigs and offshore islands | Patrol capability and resupply as required |
| 15.00 | Iridium Certus satcom controlled beyond LoS | Satellite control in real time - 1 second latency | |
| 16.00 | LoS controls using 4G or 5G networks | Satellite control as standby | |
| 17.00 | ECM/jamming payload | As part of a task organised flotilla patrolling in defensive posture |
Delivery Team
Neil D Mitchell FRICS
General Manager
- Highly regarded, internationally experienced Quantity Surveyor, elected to Fellowship of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
- Notable 30 plus years Project Director level experience in the engineering, construction & infrastructure industries.
- A wealth of project management, commercial & contractual management experience, gained from working on complex oil & gas, aviation & power generation mega projects in Middle East & Europe.
- Project portfolio includes: NEOM, Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal, ZAKUM UZ750 Oilfield, The Queen’s Building Heathrow, Terminal 5 Heathrow & The National Museum of Qatar.
- Key Skills: Claims & Dispute Management, Project Management, Commercial Management, Contracts Administration
- Geographical Experience: UK, UAE, KSA, South Africa
Keith C Tupman MCGI RISC
Director of Operations
- Well-read & well-travelled former British Royal Marines Officer with Master’s in Security & Defence Leadership.
- More than 35 years’ Senior Management and Director-level security risk management experience.
- Offers a rare blend of maritime, industrial & commercial security risk management expertise.
- Comfortable working on capital projects of scale and complexity.
- Proven, highly effective strategic-level critical national infrastructure security risk manager.
- Experienced security consultant, trainer, mentor, crisis manager, IOSH certified HSE practitioner, contingency planner, expeditionary logistician & advanced trauma stress management practitioner.
Alec F Gribble
Director, Government & Client Relations
- Significant defence & industry experience in the UK and Overseas
- 22 years of successful experience with the UK Ministry of Defence in a range of disciplines including: Defence Estates; Programme management; Marketing; Government finance & change management.
- 5 years Foreign Office secondment focused on Diplomacy, defence relations & defence exports; 12.5 years of government overseas service & 8 years private industry overseas.
- Board level experience in mixed nationality & multidisciplinary, civilian & military teams.
- Established and ran subsidiary overseas for major defence company.
- Successful experience of developing, negotiating & implementing diverse contracts from Estates Maintenance to Government-to-Government agreements.
