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Tenth Vessel with Illegal Drug Canisters Attached Found in Jamaica - November 24, 2007

Security Administrators Limited (SAL), a company who manages maritime security on Port Bustamante in Kingston, Jamaica made their 18th illegal drug canister find with a VideoRay Pro 3 XEGTO.

Security Administrators Limited (SAL), manages maritime security at Port Bustamante in Kingston, Jamaica. Using a VideoRay Pro 3 XEGTO underwater robot, they discovered contraband marijuana canisters attached to the hull of Motor Vessel CFS PAMPLONA on October 7, 2007.

With this find, SAL has now used their VideoRay ROV to detect a total of 18 drug cannisters on 10 separate vessels – amounting to nearly 2,000 lbs. of “ganja.”

These canisters are typically bolted underwater to the bow thrusters of large shipping vessels. This attachment allows the divers on the receiving end of the shipment to dive with minimal tools to recover the contraband.

SAL is the security industry leader in the underwater detection of illegal drug canisters. Their team of professionals, led by Managing Director Capt. John Ulett, has found more instances of drug smuggling underwater than all other agencies or companies worldwide. Capt. John Ulett commented “the VideoRay is an efficient and reliable tool for our underwater security work. Where we once put divers in harm’s way, we can now use the VideoRay technology to carry out our inspections quickly and safely, while being electronically recorded.” Underwater searches by SAL have been done exclusively by VideoRay ROV since 2002.

SAL is the Jamaican Representative for VideoRay. They will conduct their first “Caribbean VideoRay Underwater Solutions Exposition” on Friday, November 2nd, 2007, at the Knutsfort Court Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica. Participants will work closely in a “hands-on” atmosphere with ROV and SAL security experts. For information and registration, please contact Althea Murray at althea.murray@kwljm.com or (876) 923-4883. You may also visit SAL at www.securityadministrators.com.jm.

About VideoRay:
With more than 2,000 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.

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WHY VIDEORAY?

AFFORDABILITY

With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.

PORTABILITY

One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.

USABILITY

Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).

SAFETY

Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.

REACH

Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.