INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025
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A Portable IoT and Lora-Enabled Safety and Communication
Framework for Small-Scale Fishing Vessels
W.W.C.D. Fernando*, M.A.A. Karunarathna
Department of Electronics, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.100900056
Received: 09 Sep 2025; Accepted: 15 Sep 2025; Published: 15 October 2025
ABSTRACT
Communications is still a concern for small-scale fishing vessels that don’t have expensive satellite systems.
This paper describes geolocation, Environmental Sensing, and resilient, two-way LoRa communications. In
addition, it presents a portable IoT framework that revolves around an ESP32-S3 microcontroller and an
SX1278 transceiver. Within a dashboard supported by Firebase, it synchronizes the data collected during
internet inactivity. The system is active during internet outages. Active two-way messaging is possible in the
proposed system, which is an improvement over existing systems that emphasize one-way telemetry. This
allows for real-time safety communications and monitoring. Shackelford and Schoch, in their field trials, noted
reliable messaging across two kilometers inland and four kilometers offshore, proving its alignment with near-
shore fisheries operations. The practicality is enhanced by the system's portability, modularity, and low price,
which also allows for scalability into larger fleets and the national fisheries monitoring system. Planned future
improvements involve AES-based encrypted messaging, energy management for multi-day voyages, mesh
relay systems to extend communications, and a community-level safety tool. This enhances and strengthens the
proposed system as a national-scale safety solution.
Keywords: LoRa, ESP32, IoT, Fisheries safety, Marine communication
INTRODUCTION
Coastal communities continue to rely on fishing for a living. In Sri Lanka however, it is common for P Class
vessels to have to function without expensive commercial AIS or VMS AIS, widget is classed for the industrial
fishing fleet. Given those constraints, small vessels do have a form of satellite communications, either through
a mobile network, VHF radio, or even worse ad-hoc communications. Both of which (mobile and radio- VHF)
are utterly useless offshore and can create life threatening situations when they fail.
Recent studies have shown that LoRa and similar low power wide area networks have the potential to be used
in maritime communication [1–4]. Although distance and certain environmental factors impact signal
performance, LoRa allows for low cost and low power communication, making it favorable for fisheries
monitoring. Previous work [5] implements low-cost tracking systems and IoT dashboards utilizing ESP32 for
various industrial and emergency uses [6–8]. However, the most critical systems these works are based on
emphasize passive telemetry, primarily to locate or monitor environmental data, fundamentally ignoring the
much-needed active bi-directional communication systems that are essential at sea.
This study tackles the gap by offering a compact IoT system with two-way messaging over LoRa,
environmental sensing, and cloud sync. For a fraction of the cost and without the modular and bulky design
portability of AIS or VMS systems, the proposed kit exists to minimize onboard fixation. Of note, this device
loss of internet connectivity will still be honored, as the device will continue to sync the data to the firebase
dashboard once internet connectivity is re-established. The system strikes a balance between low cost,
compact, and durable, providing an effective communication and safety device for small scale fisheries in the
country with large community level deployment and even state wide use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025
www.rsisinternational.org
Page 558
SYSTEM DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
Sender Node Block Diagram
Figure 1. Block diagram of the sender node showing ESP32-S3 microcontroller, LoRa SX1278 module,
GNSS, sensors, OLED display, buzzer, and power system. This illustrates the portable on-boat design.
The block diagram of the sender node is described in Figure 1. The anchor of the system is the ESP-32
Microcontroller owing to its dual core architecture capable of performing WIFI transactions and its proven
ability to integrate with Lora modules. The microcontroller in the schematic is surrounded by other essential
components that make the system robust in monitoring and safety. The vehicle's location and speed are
continuously provided via NMEA sentences to the ESP32 from an integrated GNSS module. The
environmental sensors lie within an MQ-2 detector and a DHT11 Sensor which are responsible for monitoring
temperature, humidity, and detecting the presence of hazardous combustive gases that are of fuel leak on
board. The 6-axis MPU6050 is an accelerometer, and a gyroscope helps in detecting tilt and motion which is
critical when monitoring abnormal heel during a storm or other accidents. Approximately User feedback is
conveyed and processed with the help of a 0.96″ OLED display and a buzzer to signal alarms. The system is
powered with the help of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, along with additional solar battery for long
hours at sea.
The sender node has been made with portability features; hence it can be taken onboard almost any small
fishing boat with no need for physical installation. The modular block design minimizes couplings between
subsystems, so the failure of a sensor or a module does not disable the whole system. The LoRa transceiver
(SX1278) directly interfaces with the ESP32 over SPI, allowing comfortable and fast communication. This
setup shows the value of the low-cost IoT for fisheries - the built system features more IoT devices and
physical reliability than system elegance [1–3].
Receiver Node Block Diagram
ESP 32
(Sender Node)
LoRa
Module
Air quality
Sensor
Humidity
Sensor
Accelerometer
Buzzer
OLED
Display
GPS Module
Solar
Pannel
Battery
Unit
ESP 32
(Receiver Node)
LoRa
Module
Buzzer
Web
Dashboard
Battery
Unit
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025
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Figure 2. Block diagram of the receiver node with ESP32-S3 and LoRa SX1278 interfaced to Wi-Fi backhaul,
highlighting its role as a gateway between sea and cloud.
The receiver node is presented in a block diagram in Figure 2. In its LoRa interface it has the same functions as
the sender, but its sensing functions are simplified. As before, the ESP32 microcontroller functions as the
computing center, while the SX1278 LoRa module is connected through SPI (serial peripheral interface). The
circuitry is powered by a battery pack, and whenever the ESP32 has Wi-Fi connectivity, it sends recorded
LoRa payloads to the cloud. The receiver has also a buzzer for local signaling, and it can be used on shore in
ports, or on larger support vessels.
In contrast with the sender, the receiver is free from GNSS and environmental sensors, which simplified the
design, and lowered the power consumption. The receiver’s main task is to function as a bridge from the LoRa
domain to the internet. The system has division of function which enhances reliability. The Wi-Fi backhaul
could be superfluously disconnected, and the LoRa channel peers in a native mode, which means messaging
continues uninterrupted.
Sender Circuit Diagram
Figure 3. Circuit schematic of the sender node detailing pin connections between ESP32, LoRa, GNSS,
sensors, and power rails.
The circuit diagram showing the details of the sender node is illustrated in Figure 3. The other peripherals
managed by the ESP32 in different buses are: GNSS (UART), DHT11 Sensor and Buzzer (GPIOs), MQ-2 gas
sensor (ADC channel), and the Buzzer and DHT11 sensor (GPIOs) with the DHT11 sensor. The LoRa SX1278
module is wired over SPI with Chip Select (CS) pin and allocated the reset and ESP32 pins the IRQ. Careful
pin mapping enables seaming the real-time GPS parsing and LoRa packet processing of the receiver node.
The power distribution section takes in power from a 12V portable battery and/or solar panel and protects
sensitive components by regulating the output power to 5V and 3.3V rails. The decoupling capacitors and pull-
up resistors that were added to the I2C bus and sensor lines are designed to stabilize the signals. Loosely
coupled modular designs in which the basic circuit boards have standard sockets to interconnect to other circuit
boards to which modular replacement of components is the design a high priority for small rural communities
to repair.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025
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Receiver Circuit Diagram
Figure 4. Circuit schematic of the receiver node showing ESP32 interfaced with LoRa transceiver, buzzer, and
regulated power system.
In this diagram figure 4 shows the receiver circuit schematic. Loosely compared to the sender the wiring is
more straightforward. The ESP32 communicates with the SX1278 LoRa transceiver over SPI and interfaces
with a buzzer for alert tones. The ESP32 embeds the Wi-Fi subsystem therefore there is no additional
hardware. Again, power is supplied through a rechargeable battery unit with regulated 3.3 V rails powering the
MCU and LoRa module.
This deliberate decision is a result of the design's intention. The stripped receiver design minimizes the
additional peripherals and therefore within the receiver will itself theoretically being more useful when used at
coastal locations bases, as the receiver design will cost lower as well using mor personnel and power. When
positioned at a coastal harbor with a clear line of sight to operational zones the receiver provides uninterrupted
packet capture with cloud streaming and LoRa link as a backup communication line for seamless cloud
integration of packet bursts.
Dot-Board Implementations
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025
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Figure 5. Prototype sender node assembled on a dot-board with sensors, OLED display, and upright LoRa
antenna for portable boat-side operation.
The integrated sender’s DOT board in Figure 5 demonstrates the incorporation of an ESP32 module alongside
GNSS, an IMU, a gas, and a humidity sensor enabling it to track its position in space, detect movement, and
monitor the environment. To facilitate unobstructed monitoring and alerting, the crew can access the board’s
ends where OLED panels and a buzzer are mounted. To prevent corrosion and saltwater intrusion, all
connecting wires were bundled into a harness, which was insulated and shielded. For optimal antenna
throughput, an attached LoRa antenna via an SMA connector is positioned upright for proper signal
commanding communication.
The integrated receiver DOT board in Figure 6 demonstrates the node’s intact communication and data
receiving capabilities starting from the sender unit. Like the sender, it is built around the ESP32 and integrates
supporting hardware for stable operation in marine conditions. The rugged layout of the board was designed to
durability, user signal access, and sensitive reception, providing reliable performance in field deploy scenarios.
Figure 6. Prototype receiver node on a dot-board demonstrating stable LoRa reception and Wi-Fi forwarding.
Web Dashboard and Cloud Integration
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025
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Page 562
Figure 7. Firebase-based web dashboard with real-time telemetry, GNSS tracking map, fall-detection alerts,
and two-way chat.
As shown in Figure 7, the web dashboard interface displays live information on the web. The dashboard
updates in real-time and is connected to the Firebase Realtime Database, receiving new payloads as they
arrive. There are three panes on the interface: (i) Realtime data readings of temperature, humidity, location,
speed and gas index value. Each data is depicted in rounded boxes and hazardous alerts are popping up. (ii) A
breadcrumb map that captures time in synchronization with the GNSS position over time. (iii) A chat window
with the crew and coordinators with the ability to send and receive messages.
With role-based access control, the operation can be carried out securely: Authenticated coordinators are able
to send commands like force updates of the GNSS, whereas standard users are restricted to only telemetry and
chat functions. Firebase’s push-based model is essential to minimizing latency and bandwidth, particularly
with poor backhaul connectivity. The interface provides actionable insights from the telemetry data and turns
the data into useful information, which serves as the safety platform for the crews, coordinators, and families.
Range-Test Methodology
The device was tested inland along a rural corridor with partial vegetation obstruction. Text messages were
transmitted using the LoRa long-distance radio transmitter, and acknowledgment messages, together with
RSSI values, were recorded by the receiver at fixed distance intervals. The distance at which the last
acknowledgment was received was defined as the practical “messaging reach.” This operational metric was
selected over raw path-loss modeling, as it provides a more accurate representation of user experience
regardless of message delivery success. RSSI measurements were plotted against distance, producing empirical
coverage curves consistent with previous studies on LoRa propagation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Dashboard and Telemetry Performance
The interface provided situational awareness during both bench and field trials in real time. Sensors were
refreshed from acquisition in 1–3 seconds, consistent the latency of LoRa packets at spreading factor 9–12.
Temperature and humidity readings were stable after warm-up, while gas sensor values reliably responded to
controlled smoke exposure. IMU tilt data was accurately captured although there was an attempt to filter out
the false alarms generated from wave motion. Sustained heel angles were still sustained.
These were consistent with the previous IoT dashboards using ESP32 and Firebase that demonstrated sub-
second update propagation in ideal backhaul conditions [6,7]. The tested system, however, proved resilient
irrespective of backhaul strain. LoRa text still operated independently.
Two-Way Messaging Functionality
The chat system was validated under both static and mobile trials. In every case, messages were prioritized
above telemetry, maintaining conversational flow. Application-layer acknowledgements reassured users of
delivery; a feature not present in most fisheries tracking solutions [5]. Crew members expressed confidence
when the OLED display confirmed message exchange, improving usability and trust.
Sender Hardware Evaluation
Like Figure 5 indicates, the sender dot-board has sustained functionality when used outdoors. The OLED were
prescriptive, and articulated GNSS locks, and showed sensor readings and confirmations of chat messages.
The buzzer was activated on the spikes of gas concentration, illustrating the working of the life-saving
warnings. The unit’s modularity was, however, able to be achieved, and was able to be placed inside a
waterproof box.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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Receiver Hardware Evaluation
The receiver node proved reliable as a gateway. Its simple architecture reduced points of potential failure and
the independent battery supported prolonged operation. Data streamed to Firebase without interruption when
Wi-Fi was connected; when Wi-Fi was dropped, data streamed over LoRa chat without interruption. This dual
pathway architecture has proven the benefits of separating local from cloud communication, as the local and
cloud communication channels can be decoupled.
Field Test Results with Map and RSSI Graph
Figure 8. Mapped inland test paths showing message reliability across vegetation-obstructed environments.
The actual range of the system functionality has been verified in field trials. Land based routes achieved
reliable messaging of approx. 2 km, as beyond that, acknowledgements were lost attributable to vegetation and
other obstructions. Shoreline routes to the North, on the other hand, ranged 4 km under clear Fresnel
conditions. These outcomes are brought to Figure 8, which shows the test routes and emphasizes points of
loose and stored message exchanges. This sure indicates that the near-shore fisheries, which are assumed to
operate within 10 km of the harbor, are able to utilize communication based on LoRa technology. [2-4].
Figure 9. RSSI vs distance graph from inland and shoreline trials, showing gradual signal loss and confirming
prototype reliability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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In Figure 9, the RSSI measured with respect to distance did not show a decline with distance. This increasing
distance did not show a drop off which proves the prototype has good resilience and baseline coverage for the
area. This also holds true for other marine LoRa studies. The prototype still needs to validate the accuracy for
storms and other weather as well as long distance travel with varying antenna configurations for multi day
trials. Much of this has already been accomplished with the results serving well for any further work in this
regard.
Reliability and Security Considerations
Managing energy usage Wisely is important for keeping sailing operations going over a long period of time
without the need to constantly recharge. Both deep-sleep modes of the ESP32 and the low duty cycle of LoRa
minimize energy expenditure, while the system also integrates solar recharging for multi-day sailing
operations. Other still adaptive duty cycling on slowdown cycles telemetry versus chat modes could prolong
battery life even more.
Firebase auth is used for the secure dashboard of the system and will be complemented in the future with AES-
128 encryption in LoRa for messages. This will ensure message confidentiality. Protection on the two layers is
important for state level use and trust that will be used for private and commercial fishing use.
For fishing safety and monitor, it will also meet broader policy objectives that support it will also be suited for
grassroots and centralized deployment for the whole country. It could cover borderless deployment due to the
modular, low-cost design which is easy to replicate for community fleets. This improves construction based on
the use of mesh relays or drone repeaters placed in the offshore waters.
CONCLUSION
The study presented here has developed a lightweight Internet of Things (IoT) based safety and
communication system for small-scale fishing vessels. The system balances real-time telemetry and resilient
two-way text messaging by integrating an ESP32-S3 Microcontroller with an SX1278 LoRa transceiver along
with GNSS and environmental sensors. The field trials documented in this study show reliable communication
within ~2 km of the land and 4 km of the shore and confirm the system’s ability to meet the communication
needs of near-shore fisheries with limited communication infrastructure.
The design’s key features of portability, low cost, and lack of satellite-based AIS and a VMS make the system
ideal for primary fishing communities. The structure of the prototype was proved to be compliant with the day-
boat conditions and modular construction promotes ease of repair and extended use for the system.
In the future, it will also be necessary to evaluate the system performance on long continuous voyages with
geo-fencing and rough weather with long-range communications. Multi-day operations will be sustained
through optimized energy management that incorporates solar-assisted charging, duty cycling, and super deep-
sleep modes. The backbone of the system may also include a LoRa module with AES-128 encryption to
strengthen secured data policies, on top of the existing Firebase authentication on the cloud dashboard.
Measures of scalability with drone-based mesh relay repeaters will extend coverage to offshore fleets, allowing
for seamless integration with the national fisheries monitoring system.
The technical and operational components of these systems provide compelling evidence for their ability to
enhance the safety of individual fishing crews, while simultaneously expanding the framework for community-
level fisheries management and beyond.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors acknowledge the Department of Electronics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of
Sri Lanka, for technical and academic support.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025
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