To drone, or not to drone : A qualitative study in how and when information from UxV should be distributed in rescue missions at sea

Abstract: Swedish maritime rescue consists of a number of resources from various organizations that will work together and achieve a common goal, to save people in need. It turns out that information is a significant factor in maritime rescue missions. Whether you are rescuer at the accident scene or coordinating the rescue mission from the control center, information provides you better situation awareness and knowledge of the situation, which creates better conditions in order achieve the goal for the mission. Applying Unmanned Vehicles (UxV) for Swedish maritime rescue means another resource that can provide additional necessary information. In this study, several methods have been used to find out where in the mission information from UxVs can conceivably contribute. The study identifies three critical situations where there is a need for UxV. This result, in turn, leads to other questions, such as who should be the recipient of the new information and how it affects the information flow as a whole? Information visualization proves to be an important factor in this. Where you can help the recipient of the information in their work with the help of clear and easily understood visualization without affecting the flow or coordination in their work.