The advanced Transport Canada DHC-8M-100 aircraft are equipped with these sensor and equipment packages:
•Side Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) – An all-weather radar that detects anomalies on the ocean surface in low light or cloudy conditions.
•Ultraviolet Infrared Line Scanner (UVIR) – Used analyze an oil slick and help prevent false positives.
•Electro-Optical Infrared Camera System (EOIR) – A camera system that can identify vessels at long distance in low light or cloudy conditions. Photographs taken are used as evidence against polluters.
•Automatic Identification System (AIS) Transponder Receiver – A radio system that provides vessel identity and voyage information.
•Data Uplink System – A telemetry system that will maintain a data stream from air to ground in real time.
•Geo-Coded Digital Camera System - Still and video cameras used to document pollution incidents.
Integrated Satellite Tracking of Polluter’s (I-STOP) Project - I-STOP uses RADARSAT imaging to look for anomalies on the ocean surface that could be oil slicks. The project can provide early warning of oil spills and direct surveillance aircraft towards suspected pollution incidents.
Two aircraft carrying complete integrated suites of pollution surveillance equipment located on each coast.
Photo: Chuck Slusarczyk Jr