App relays AIS alerts via smartwatches

Aug 16, 2017 by Triton Staff

Vesper Marine, a manufacturer of marine safety products based in Auckland, recently released the deckWatch smartwatch app, which allows users to receive AIS safety data and alerts at their wrist, instantly and anywhere on a boat.

“Vesper Marine’s deckWatch is built specifically for Android Wear 2 devices that run standalone apps without needing to be paired to an iOS or Android smartphone,” Jeff Robbins, CEO of Vesper Marine, said in a news release. “With deckWatch there is no need to go to the nav station or, in rough sea conditions, carry a smartphone or tablet. When you hear an audible alarm from a WatchMate Vision or XB-8000 smartAIS you can glance at your watch to instantly see the alert and react right away..”

The app sends safety data and alerts to a smartwatch directly from Vesper Marine smartAIS devices. Unlike an ordinary AIS that sends and receives data, smartAIS is an active AIS system with smart alarm logic that proactively alerts the user of potential collision situations. It also plots anchor position and sends alerts if the anchor drags. In man-overboard situations, smartAIS works with any brand of MOB device, triggering a dedicated audible alarm. The user is simultaneously alerted on the smartwatch with continuously updated bearing and range to the person in the water. In addition, NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 information such as depth, speed, wind speed and more are available. The deckWatch app is available for all watches with the Android Wear 2 OS.

For more information, visit www.vespermarine.com.

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