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Ninth Jamaican Vessel Found with Illegal Drug Canisters Attached - September 19, 2007

Security Administrators Limited (SAL), a company who manages maritime security on Port Bustamante in Kingston, Jamaica made their 16th illegal drug canister find with a VideoRay Pro 3 GTO

Security Administrators Limited (SAL), a company who manages maritime security on Port Bustamante in Kingston, Jamaica made their 16th illegal drug canister find with a VideoRay Pro 3 GTO on August 10, 2007.

The drug canister (or canisters) are typically mounted underwater to the bow thrusters of large shipping vessels with a simple bolt attachment. This attachment allows the divers on the receiving end of the shipment to dive with minimal tools to recover the contraband.

A total of 9 large shipping vessels have been found transporting or attempting to transport marijuana by SAL and their VideoRay in the last 20 months. With an average stash of approximately 100lbs. of marijuana per canister, SAL’s total finds to date with the VideoRay are around 1,600 lbs. Though this may be considered a small dent in the multi-billion dollar-a-year drug trafficking trade, it is still a dent none the less.

Capt. John Ulett, Managing Director for SAL, believes that, “the VideoRay is an efficient and reliable tool for our underwater 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.”

SAL, who is also VideoRay’s Jamaican Representative, is in the process of planning a “Caribbean VideoRay Underwater Solutions Expo” for specific groups in the region. The date is tentatively set for November 2nd, 2007, in Kingston Jamaica. More details are forthcoming – check back with www.videoray.com or visit SAL at http://www.securityadministrators.com.jm/frt_page.php.

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.