Manga, AmishaGiesler, AchmedGovindsamy, ReesenMowzer, Mohammed YB2025-09-252025-09-252025-070-7988-5673-4http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14407This research investigates the feasibility of using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) for sea surface- level maritime communication. Sea-based field experiments were conducted across False Bay, South Africa, with the intention to evaluate line-of-sight communication. A LoRaWAN gateway was configured as a private network server to process incoming messages that contain geolocation information from commer cial off-the-shelf (COTS) LoRa (Long Range) devices. Custom software was developed to extract, record and display key performance metrics such as the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), frequency bands and spreading factor. The devices were deployed on the sea surface and achieved a stable 2 km communication range in rough sea conditions with 2 m swells. Communication was achieved at 5 km when the devices were lifted 0.5 to 1 m above the sea surface, indicating improved performance with elevation. The results support LoRaWAN’s potential for maritime communication with applications in emergency response and defence, while highlighting the challenges and key insights for future research.FulltextenMaritime communicationLong RangeLoRaMQTTSTAR topologyTrackingWANLong Range Wide Area NetworkLoRaWANLoRaWAN gatewayConference PresentationN/A