Developing RFID-Based Systems for Security in Marine Transportations

In marine transportations it is important to control effectively the boarding and debarkation of passengers and vehicles, as well as to effectively monitor the cargo. These procedures are usually handled using conventional ways such as barcode-based tickets and scanners. This technology, although used widely, has significant drawbacks and is outdated. In the present project we propose the use of Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) technology to control these procedures. This paper describes the initial concept, the possible ways to fit the RFID technology in marine sector and the initial considerations on system architecture. We discuss the benefits of RFID over the barcode-based system in the context of the specific domain, the problems that may arise with its use and possible ways to tackle them. The research is carried out within the framework of the ongoing project "MERIT"¹.