Flir Ocean Scout Pro II: Thermal imaging monocular detects targets at 1000 metres

The Ocean Scout Pro II is a thermal imaging monocular designed by FLIR Marine specifically for use on the water. The device is aimed at water police, coastguards and rescue services who have to work at night or in poor visibility. The technology makes heat sources visible that remain invisible to the human eye - such as people, boats or obstacles in complete darkness.

The centrepiece is a thermal sensor with 640 x 480 pixels, which detects temperature differences from 38 millikelvin. This high sensitivity makes it possible to recognise even small differences in heat between objects and their surroundings. The lens with a focal length of 35 millimetres and a field of view of 18 degrees focuses on distant targets. By comparison, the predecessor model Ocean Scout Pro had a wider field of view of 24 degrees and therefore covered more area, but showed distant objects smaller.

Focus on distance instead of overview

The narrower perspective of the new model represents a deliberate compromise: users see a smaller section, but can better identify distant targets. The manual focus can be adjusted continuously so that users can switch between close and distant objects. Digital magnification in four stages (2x, 4x, 6x and 8x) brings distant targets closer, although the image quality decreases at higher stages.

According to FLIR, the device was developed together with emergency services. The device is operated via five buttons, which should also be operable when wearing gloves. The display shows 1024 x 768 pixels and updates the image at 60 hertz, which, according to the manufacturer, ensures smooth movements. The thermal sensor works at 30 hertz. FLIR's proprietary Digital Detail Enhancement technology is designed to boost contrasts and emphasise faintly visible targets.

Robust construction for harsh conditions

The housing is protected against dust and water in accordance with IP67, which means that the device can withstand brief submersion at a depth of one metre. FLIR has dropped it from a height of two metres without any damage occurring. Weighing 660 grams and measuring 21.2 x 6.4 x 6.4 centimetres, the monocular fits in one hand. A yellow hand strap prevents the device from falling overboard.

According to the manufacturer, the built-in lithium-ion battery lasts up to six hours. Charging takes two hours up to 80 per cent capacity via a USB-C connection. FLIR offers an optional charging cradle that keeps the device ready for use. A physical switch completely deactivates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi - relevant for applications where radio silence is required.

Picture modes and wireless transmission

Four colour palettes adapt the display to different situations: White-hot shows warm objects brightly, black-hot reverses this, sepia uses brown tones and a fourth palette can be set individually. The choice depends on the environment and personal preference - some users recognise details better in inverted colours.

The Ocean Scout Pro II streams live images to the FLIR Responder app for iOS and Android via Wi-Fi. This allows emergency services to share or document images directly from their smartphone. The internal memory holds over 1000 individual images in JPEG format and videos in H.264 codec. The images do not contain any temperature data, but only show the thermal image.

Practical use on the water

In practice, the range of 1000 metres means that a person in the water becomes visible as a warm spot, but details such as facial features remain unrecognisable. Emergency services have to get closer to identify the person. Above all, the technology helps to recognise that someone is there in the first place - especially at night, in fog or in heavy seas.

The one-handed operation is intended to enable boat skippers to hold the wheel at the same time. Michelle Hildyard, Managing Director of FLIR Marine, explains: "Operators need tools that work immediately and reliably when visibility is limited and every second counts." The device does away with nested menus - all important functions are directly accessible via the buttons.

Scope of delivery and availability

In addition to the monocular, the scope of delivery includes a tactical belt pouch with MOLLE fastening system, the yellow wrist strap, a USB cable, two rubber eyecups in different shapes and a quick start guide. A tripod thread (UNC 1/4 inch with 20 threads per inch) enables mounting on tripods or other mounts.

The Ocean Scout Pro II is available now. The price is 3399 US dollars. FLIR has not yet announced prices for the European market.

Technical data

• Sensor: 640 × 480 pixels, microbolometer
• Heat sensitivity: <38 mK at 30°C
• Focal length: 35 mm
• Aperture: f/1.0
• Field of vision: 18 degrees
• Range (person recognition): 1000 metres
• Close focus: 2 metres
• Display: 1024 × 768 pixels, XGA
• Frame rate sensor: 30 Hz
• Display frame rate: 60 Hz
• Magnification: 2×, 4×, 6×, 8× digital
• Colour modes: White-hot, black-hot, sepia
• Battery life: up to 6 hours
• Loading time: 2 hours (80%)
• Protection class: IP67
• Dimensions: 21.2 × 6.4 × 6.4 cm
• Weight: 660 g
• Memory: 16 GB internal, >1000 images
• Video format: MPEG4 AVC (H.264)
• Photo format: JPEG
• Connectivity: WLAN, Bluetooth LE, USB-C
• Tripod thread: UNC 1/4"-20
• spectral range: 7.5-13.5 μm