ICMS welcomed Prof. Ma Yong from Wuhan National Laboratory of Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, to visit the Centre in August 2009.

During the visit, both parties exchanged views on the development of Optoelectronics Enabled Red-tide Warning and Monitoring System as well as Maritime Search and Rescue System, and a demonstration on the integration of infra-red imaging device in the relevant systems was conducted.

Red-tide warning and monitoring has been a major research area of ICMS. Its "Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting" project was the Silver Medal winner at the 36th annual International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products in 2008. The Centre also strives to pursue search and rescue projects to better serve the Hong Kong maritime community.