Britannia Maritime Security (BMS) is launching a unique laser which offers the private maritime security industry a non-lethal option for repelling hijackers or other potential attackers.
The SMU – 100 Laser Dazzler, which works both day and night at 800 metres with two square metres coverage, is designed to cause temporary blindness and nausea, with no long-term effects.
BMS Managing Director Stuart Niven will introduce the weapon at the Ships & Ports Security session of the Transport Security Expo on 13-14 November at Olympia in London.
“ The Dazzler has been developed over a number of years by Paul Kerr, an ex-Royal Marine Commando and now Head of Development at our partner Photonic Security Services ,” explains Niven . “ Its unique pencil-thin beam is scanned over the scene to temporarily impair vision without any danger of long-term damage to either the user or the target. ”
The laser will penetrate sunglasses and, by scanning to cover two square metres, it affects all the people in an approaching skiff or boat. It comes with a mounting pole for use on a ship’s bridge wings, although it is also designed to be used by personnel on oil platforms and other maritime environments. Full training in using the weapon will be provided by BMS.
“ This unique product is key operated and intrinsically safe ,” says Niven . “ Conventional lasers use simple optics to generate an expanding beam and by-standers close to the unit can receive eye injury from reflections. This is not the case with the SMU-100 Laser Dazzler.
“ We are delighted to be given the opportunity to launch the SMU-100 Laser Dazzler at the Transport Security Expo as it attracts exactly the audience we want. ”
The SMU-100 Laser Dazzler is waterproof, low maintenance and the ideal product for deterring potential attackers without causing long-term damage.
UK-based BMS specialises in best practice in managing risk, supplying escort vessels, protecting oil and gas assets and providing anti-piracy solutions. It was the first company accredited by Panama to offer protection on transits on board Panamanian flag vessels.
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BMS, November 26, 2013