Pathfinder Advisory

At Pathfinder Advisory, we provide expertise in maritime communications and surveillance systems, ensuring that vessels, ports, and agencies can operate safely and in compliance with international standards. Our work helps organizations strengthen navigation reliability, improve operational awareness, and resolve disputes tied to technical systems.

🔍 What We Do

  • Investigate issues related to radar or maritime communication systems
  • Analyze technical data from navigation and surveillance equipment
  • Assess system reliability and compliance with IMO and international safety standards
  • Provide expert opinions in disputes tied to technical or system failures
  • Recommend upgrades, training, and best practices for operators and agencies

🌍 Why It Matters

Reliable communication and accurate surveillance are the backbone of maritime safety. A single failure in these systems can trigger:

  • Collisions between vessels in congested waters
  • Miscommunication during rescue operations
  • Inaccurate navigation leading to groundings or environmental disasters
  • Costly disputes between shipping companies, insurers, and port authorities

At Pathfinder Advisory, we bring operational, technical, and legal expertise to evaluate failures, strengthen system performance, and help partners build confidence in their maritime operations.

⚠️ Real Cases & Context

The Mediterranean and Middle East have seen several incidents tied to communications and surveillance gaps:

  • Eastern Mediterranean Radar Disputes – Conflicts between Greece and Turkey have highlighted the importance of reliable radar tracking, with disagreements over “who crossed where” in disputed waters.
  • Libyan Search & Rescue Coordination Gaps – Failures in communication between Libyan coast guards and international rescue agencies have delayed life-saving interventions.
  • Suez Canal Grounding (Ever Given, 2021) – While not purely a communication failure, the incident revealed weaknesses in vessel tracking and coordination systems that caused massive disruption in global trade.
  • AIS (Automatic Identification System) Manipulation – In the Middle East and North Africa, some vessels switch off or falsify AIS signals to conceal illegal activities (fuel smuggling, arms trafficking), creating risks of collision and complicating international monitoring.
  • Mediterranean Fishing Conflicts – Small fishing vessels often lack reliable communication systems, leading to collisions or disputes with larger commercial ships.

🧭 Pathfinder Advisory’s Added Value

We offer independent expertise to governments, navies, port authorities, insurers, and shipping companies by providing:

  • System Audits – Testing the reliability of radar, VHF, AIS, and satellite communications
  • Technical Analysis – Reviewing black box, AIS, or radar data after incidents
  • Dispute Resolution Support – Supplying technical expertise in legal or insurance cases
  • Training Programs – Equipping crews and operators with best practices for communication under pressure
  • Policy Advisory – Helping states and agencies align with IMO, EU, and international maritime standards

📩 Contact Pathfinder Advisory today to see how our expertise in Maritime Communications & Surveillance Systems can strengthen your safety, efficiency, and operational trust.

Contact Us