A 21st Century Update To Morse Code Between Ships

Glamox, a leading global lighting company, has introduced a novel method of naval communication, drawing inspiration from Morse code but updating it for the twenty-first century. This breakthrough was officially announced in Oslo on June 24, 2025, signifying a major shift in how navies can achieve secure communication, even when satellite or radio channels might be compromised or inadequate.

At the heart of this innovation is the Color Light Optical Communications and Search System (CLOCSS), which blends digital LED lighting technology from Glamox with advanced software by the Italian firm GEM Elettronica S.r.l., part of Leonardo S.p.A. The integrated system, marketed as PSAR-100, allows naval vessels to exchange encrypted messages using multi-colored LED lights, significantly modernizing traditional Morse code. The technology has a lot in common with Li-Fi.

• Multi-Color Transmission: Instead of simple on-off signaling, the system employs white, green, blue, and red LED lights. These LEDs can be rapidly switched on and off in various patterns and color combinations to encode and transmit complex, encrypted messages.
• Long-Range Direct Communication: These light signals can be sent over distances up to 6 kilometers, supporting both ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore links.
• Secure and Resilient: Since the system operates using line-of-sight light, it is inherently resistant to conventional hacking and electronic warfare that often plague radio and satellite communications.

Messages are encrypted and sent from an operator’s station to the LED module. The receiving vessel or station, equipped with an HD camera integrated within the lighting platform, automatically captures and decodes the messages via GEM Elettronica’s software. This automation ensures rapid, accurate communications, even in challenging conditions.

The system includes gyro stabilization and advanced target-tracking, allowing vessels to maintain communication even in rough seas with waves up to 1.5 meters. This robust engineering ensures reliability in demanding maritime environments.

Glamox’s PSAR-100 is already active within a European navy’s fleet. It can be deployed as a complete system or as modular components (e.g., just the digital lighting platform), providing navies with integration flexibility for existing or future communications architectures. This flexibility makes the technology adaptable to a wide variety of military operations and vessel types.

In addition to communication functions, the Luminell-branded lighting platform features a powerful searchlight delivering 49,000 lumens with a range of 3.5 km. This high intensity is ideal for search-and-rescue missions.

The platform includes Ultraviolet and Infrared lighting that can:

• Detect fluorescent materials such as those found on lifejackets, enhancing man-overboard rescue efforts
• Identify oil spills at night
• Improve overall night vision performance for vessel operators

Glamox’s innovation represents a significant advance in secure, resilient maritime communications. By reinventing ship-to-ship Morse code for the digital age with advanced LED technology, they are addressing critical naval communication needs for security, reliability, and operational effectiveness.

More information is available here.

Image: Glamox

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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