Sensor system for maritime vessels

A method for operating a sensor system, comprising:

• providing a data collection mast, comprising:
• a base;
• a support member fixedly secured to the base and defining an axial through bore therein;
• a main member having a first end fixedly secured within the through bore of the support member, a second end opposite the first end, wherein the main member further includes a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion sequentially located between the first end and the second end;
• a top plate fixedly secured to the second end of the main member;
• a first enclosure fixedly secured to and surrounding the lower portion of the main member;
• a second enclosure fixedly secured to and surrounding the intermediate portion of the main member;
• a first cantilever member having a first end and a second end, the first end fixedly secured to the intermediate portion of the main member, and the second end located at a position radially beyond the second enclosure from the main member, such that the first cantilever member is perpendicular to the main member;
• and
• a second cantilever member having a first end and a second end, the first end fixedly secured to the upper portion of the main member, and the second end at a position radially outward from the main member and axially above the top plate;
• collecting environmental image data with a pair of stereoscopic cameras disposed on the intermediate portion of the main member, wherein the second enclosure includes a pair of apertures and the pair of stereoscopic cameras, and the pair of stereoscopic cameras align with the pair of apertures;
• collecting environmental radar data with a radar system disposed on the top plate;
• collecting orientation data with a compass disposed on the second end of the second cantilever member;
• collecting 3-D image data from a LIDAR unit disposed on the second end of the first cantilever member;
• and
• transmitting the environmental image data, the environmental radar data, the orientation data, and the 3-D image data to a control unit fixedly secured to the lower portion of the main member and located within the first enclosure, wherein the control unit is in electronic communication with the pair of stereoscopic cameras, the radar system, the compass, and the LIDAR unit.