The VTMIS can be installed as a scalable system, from a single user version with one or two sensors, to a large multi-user network with a wide variety of integrated sensors and subsystems, including radars, AIS, direction finders, infrared night vision, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and underwater sensors.

Saab says it can provide CoastWatch as a complete turnkey system including all the sensor arrays, or can utilise an existing radar and AIS infrastructure. The software used by the VTMIS is modular, and as such can be modified reasonably easily depending on requirements.

The CoastWatch operator stations include a graphical user interface based on a digital chart display, which is also configurable to a user's own preferences to avoid information overload and clutter.

The operator can view information on any displayed vessel, including CCTV pictures, and generate reports with standard point-and-click functionality. CCTV control is fully integrated into the chart functions, and with a mouse click on a ship's icon, the cameras will automatically start tracking the vessel.

System capabilities also feature data recording and playback for training and post-event analysis.

Saab says that the system provides full redundancy in accordance with IALA requirements for 99.9 per cent availability. This is achieved by duplication of hardware and software modules, to eliminate any single point of failure.