Abstract
In this paper, we address the current developments of the "PISCIS" project. We focus on the experimental results from recent operational missions with an AUV in a estuarine environment. Besides describing mission planning and logistic details, we also present tools for oceanographic data processing and visualization. This will be demonstrated with some examples of collected data.

Abstract
A reliable navigation system is a key factor for the success of an operational mission with an AUV in a real scenario. In this paper, we address the main issues involved in the implementation of a long baseline (LBL) navigation system for a REMUS AUV. This system replaces both the original hardware and software of the vehicle with a simpler, faster, less expensive and more precise system, based on a Kalman filter. We also discuss the influence of transponder location in the overall performance of the LBL navigation, and present results obtained with this new system in operational missions.

Abstract
This paper describes the specification and design of a prototype of a low cost open system for the inspection of underwater structures based on a remotely operated underwater vehicle under the project IES, a 3 year long effort funded by the Portuguese R&D program Praxis XXI. Unlike commercial approaches, a modular open system characterised by the incorporation of an on-board computer allowing for advanced control capabilities is envisaged. The control console is based on a standard PC and the tether is used only for power delivery and to establish a simple communication channel. In this project, we use advanced hybrid control techniques for sophisticated semi-autonomous operation management and control. The control architecture reuses part of the one designed for the underwater vehicle Isurus operated by the Laboratory of Underwater Systems and Technologies of Porto University. The implementation is designed in order to allow for multiple sensor configurations specified as add-ins. This leads to a dynamic, scalable and flexible system that can be easily configured according to the user specifications.

Abstract
In this article, we describe the effort being carried out in the analysis, design and implementation of the control architecture for a mobile platform for autonomous transportation, surveillance and inspection in structured and semi-structured industrial environments. The control architecture is based in a hierarchical structure organized linguistically permitting the real-time parallel execution of tasks. This, architecture is composed of three levels, Organization, Coordination and Functional, structured according to the Increasing Precision with Decreasing Intelligence Principle.

Abstract

Abstract
The use of autonomous vehicles in maritime operations is a technological challenge. In the particular case of autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs), their application ranges from inspection and surveillance of offshore power plants, and marine life observation, to search and rescue missions. Manually landing UAVs onboard water vessels can be very challenging due to limited space onboard and wave agitation. This paper proposes an autonomous solution for the task of landing commercial multicopter UAVs with onboard cameras on water vessels, based on the detection of a custom landing platform with computer vision techniques. The autonomous landing behavior was tested in real conditions, using a research vessel at sea, where the UAV was able to detect, locate, and safely land on top of the developed landing platform.