Vesper Marine, a leading manufacturer of innovative marine safety products, has released a new innovation in AIS portability – the deck Watch smart watch app. Bringing the power of Vesper Marine’s smart AIS functionality beyond smart phones and tablets to individual smart watches, users can now get critical safety information instantly and anywhere on a boat.
“When reaction time is measured in seconds, you need immediate information to make a proper response,” said Jeff Robbins, CEO, Vesper Marine. “Vesper Marine’s deck Watch is built specifically for Android Wear 2 devices that run standalone apps without needing to be paired to an iOS or Android smart phone. With deck Watch 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 Watch Mate Vision or XB-8000 smart AIS you can glance at your watch to instantly see the alert and react right away. It is a constant companion wherever you are onboard with instant access to critical information concerning the safety of your vessel and crew.”
The new app sends safety data and alerts to a smart watch directly from Vesper Marine smart AIS devices without the need of a phone or tablet to relay the information. If a collision alarm is triggered, users can see the bearing and distance of a vessel that is a collision risk, allowing them to immediately change course or contact the other vessel. With anchor watch, users simply tap their smart watch to mark the precise location when the anchor is dropped, as well as monitor if the anchor is dragging.
In man overboard situations, Vesper Marine smart AIS offers users a unique and potentially lifesaving feature. The powerful and versatile system works seamlessly with any brand of man overboard device and, when a MOB situation is encountered, it triggers a dedicated audible alarm. The user is simultaneously alerted on their smart watch 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 for at-a-glance accessibility.
The deck Watch app is currently available for all watches with the Android Wear 2 OS.
