Presence-based automatic gate operation for marine barriers and gate systems

A system for controlling a marine gate, the marine gate extending from a first attachment point to a second attachment point remote from the first attachment point when closed, and extending from the first attachment point to a point between the first and second attachment points when opened, wherein the gate is for protecting a secured area, the system comprising:

• a first RFID sensor disposed outside the secured area, for communicating with a user identification unit;
• a second RFID sensor disposed proximal the gate or one of the first and second attachment points, for communicating with the user identification unit;
• a third RFID sensor disposed inside the secured area, for communicating with the user identification unit;
• and
• a controller in communication with the RFID sensors, the controller having one or more processors adapted to sequentially:
• verify that the user is authorized to enter the secured area when one or more of the RFID sensors communicate with the user identification unit;
• cause the gate to open or to remain open when the user's authorization to enter the secured area is verified;
• track a location of the user identification unit using the RFID sensors while the gate is open and the user is transiting the gate;
• and
• cause the gate to close when the RFID sensors are no longer in communication with the user identification unit.