Yesterday as we cruised into the Bellingham Marina, a large Homeland Security vessel was departing the marina with four heavily armed personnel on board the vessel with four large outboards and one mounted 50 caliber machine gun. As I walked to our truck and trailer, I saw a large semi-truck parked in the lot with Homeland Security emblazened on the side. After inquiring of the young man with the semi what the semi was all about, he stated that the vessel that I had just seen is currently being "toured" around the country to all of the Water Homeland Security agencies so their personnel can have some hands on experience with this new vessel. (I had wrongfully assumed that the vessel I saw was one I'd seen previously). The semi is the support unit to trouble shoot any concerns with the new vessel.
Then last night while watching the news on KOMO news 4, there was an editorial about the vessel. The news story showed the vessel and stated that it carries advanced thermal imaging that can show the operators any vessels miles away and display the number of occupants on each vessel and what the occupants are doing. The cost of the equipped vessel is just over 1/2 million dollars.
We use hand held thermal imaging cameras in the fire service for locating individuals in fires, and hot spots in structure walls. Additionally, if arriving on the scene of an accident and the vehicle is unoccupied we can aim the camera at the seat cushions to determine how many people were sitting in the auto, prior to their departure. (Of course, we have to arrive shortly after there departure). We can also utilize the camera to find individuals that have been ejected into the brush from accidents.
Then last night while watching the news on KOMO news 4, there was an editorial about the vessel. The news story showed the vessel and stated that it carries advanced thermal imaging that can show the operators any vessels miles away and display the number of occupants on each vessel and what the occupants are doing. The cost of the equipped vessel is just over 1/2 million dollars.
We use hand held thermal imaging cameras in the fire service for locating individuals in fires, and hot spots in structure walls. Additionally, if arriving on the scene of an accident and the vehicle is unoccupied we can aim the camera at the seat cushions to determine how many people were sitting in the auto, prior to their departure. (Of course, we have to arrive shortly after there departure). We can also utilize the camera to find individuals that have been ejected into the brush from accidents.