Barbados Uses RFID to Secure Cricket World Cup Final

AXCESS is also providing wireless sensing for detection of toxic chemicals or radiation. These plug into the active tags using an input-output port on the tag's circuit board. The wireless network makes it possible to recognize a weapon of mass destruction. That system is integrated with the RFID system.

"Our middleware receives the data from a custom-written adaptor from the sensor system," says Griebenow. If a sensor trigger is tripped, he says, "a wireless message is sent to first responders and others depending on the level of alert. The integration (with the RFID ActiveTags) will let security know who is in the area for both investigative and safety purposes."

The third part of the system does not use RFID. Underwater cameras capture images of the ships as they enter the port to detect divers or "parasites" attached to the hulls of ships. The images are sent to the same integrated security system. "The underwater camera information can be transmitted back to the central site, or it can be viewed via mobile terminal," says Griebenow. The method of communications is confidential, he adds.

"This is coming at a time when the island is a showcase for the world," says Griebenow. "This is a substantial port that is expanding, and its ability to obtain visibility is quite good. We are adding an additional layer of security."

The port has been undergoing expansion and renovation to its existing facilities for several years. That includes construction of a new pier to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously. The two berths will boost the port's daily passenger handling capacity by about 8,000. This will also allow the port to continue to separate its cruise and cargo-handling operations in the interests of passenger safety.