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[ TECHNOLOGY ]
SAFETY DISPLAYED ON THE WRIST An anti-collision system, anchor hold monitoring and a man overboard alarm are the three main functions of the new deckWatch app by Vesper Marine, with all data communicated to a smartwatch by Paola Bertelli
The deckWatch app gives boaters quick, at-a-glance situational awareness and immediate visibility of critical situations directly on their wrist from anywhere on the boat
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martwatches offer almost endless possibilities. They’re
the wearer if it begins to drag or if someone falls overboard.
already used in the nautical world for tasks like
It will monitor the person in the water to facilitate the rescue
transmitting navigation data and communicating with crews.
operation. Previously the system interface was based on a
Now they’ve taken another step forward, joining the ranks of
display, smartphone or tablet, but now it’s also on a wrist
safety-oriented instruments.
watch. “When reaction time is measured in seconds, you
Vesper Marine is a New Zealand company that specialises
need immediate information to make a proper response,” says
in marine safety products for recreational and commercial
Jeff Robbins, CEO Vesper Marine. “With deckWatch there is
vessels, aids to navigation and marine asset protection
no need to go to the nav station or, in rough sea conditions,
solutions - safety, innovation and R&D are its watchwords.
carry a smartphone or tablet. When you hear an audible alarm
In late July it launched its new deckWatch smartwatch app,
you can glance at your watch to instantly see the alert and
which makes use of its smartAIS system and makes it available
react right away. It is a constant companion wherever you are
on crew members’ wrists. The app won the National Marine
onboard with instant access to critical information concerning
Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award
the safety of your vessel and crew.”
in the Safety Equipment category at the 2017 International
The app sends alerts and safety data to the smartwatch directly
Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) held in Tampa
from the Vesper Marine transponders via wifi. The graphics
(Florida) in September.
are intuitive and immediate, with few lines, clear icons and
Unlike conventional AIS systems, which are restricted to
bright, highly visible colours. The deckWatch app is now
sending and receiving data, smartAIS can also send alarms in
available for all smartwatches powered by Android Wear 2 OS.
the event of potential collisions, check anchor status and alert
www.vespermarine.com 137