Automatic Identification

Sea Machines Debuts AI-ris Computer Vision for Commercial Vessels

Marine perception sensor aims to provide high-def situational awareness to eliminate at-sea collisions and allisionsSea Machines Robotics unveiled AI-ris (Artificial Intelligence Recognition and Identification System), a new marine computer-vision navigation sensor designed to improve safety and performance while vessels are underway. Sea Machines’ AI-ris uses digital cameras and AI-processing to detect, track, classify and geolocate objects, vessel traffic and other potential obstacles in the majority of operational conditions, day or night.

eLog: Raytheon Anschütz Launches Electronic Logbook

Raytheon Anschütz, a business of Raytheon Technologies, has launched an electronic logbook for ships. Dubbed eLog, it is designed to provide secure, quality logbook data and is positioned by the company as a step toward paperless shipping and improved efficiency of onboard processes.Featuring automatic data entry from navigation systems such as the automatic identification system (AIS) or the integrated navigation system (INS), at defined intervals, eLog also enables data input by crews via laptop or mobile devices…

Maritime Distress Beacon Gains North American Approval

Orolia’s McMurdo SmartFind G8 AIS Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) has been approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada.The world’s first EPIRB to contain both the international 406 MHz alert frequency and the localized rescue power of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), the McMurdo SmartFind G8 AIS is now ready to order for leisure and commercial maritime use across the U.S.

Raymarine Launches New AIS Transceiver

Raymarine, a brand by FLIR systems, has announced the launch of its new Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver featuring an integrated antenna splitter. The new Raymarine AIS700 Class B transceiver enables boat owners to share the same antenna with their onboard VHF equipment making installation much easier, tidier and less expensive. Delivering the best-in-class performance, the AIS700 uses the latest networking technologies for faster updating, increased bandwidth and better range.

Vesper Marine Debuts New AIS Transponder

Marine safety products manufacturer Vesper Marine has released a new Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS), the XB-6000. The black box transponder includes a built-in NMEA 2000 gateway and GPS antenna that integrates AIS, GPS and NMEA instrument data to display vital safety information on any AIS-compatible chartplotter, multifunction display (MFD) or personal computer. The Vesper Marine XB-6000 offers convenient access to AIS safety information instantaneously while on the water.

World Record Attempt: Suhay Tries to Break Distance by Dinghy Mark

In 2014, Robert Suhay tackled the “longest single-handed distance sailed in a dinghy by a male – 283.5 nautical miles (326.24 miles)” into the face of Hurricane Arthur for a Guinness World Record. Next week, Suhay will attempt to break his own record in a 14-foot Laser dinghy unassisted from Beaufort, N.C. to Annapolis, Md., a distance of about 340 nautical miles that will take him around Cape Hatteras and across dangerous ocean shipping lanes. But, this time, Suhay will be using McMurdo’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) solutions to help keep him safe during the journey.

Vesper Announces Watchmate Android App

Vesper Marine has announced  an Android version of its WatchMate app. Available as a free download from GooglePlay, the new app is designed to control Vesper’s WatchMate Vision and XB-8000 products. Offering all of the same functionality as the company’s iOS app as well as additional capabilities, the new WatchMate app features a unique look and feel optimized for the Android platform and makes it even easier to install, configure and remotely control the powerful Vision and XB-8000 AIS transponders.

Raymarine Debuts New Tech at FLIB 2014

FLIR Systems, Inc. launched the Raymarine Ray70 Multifunction VHF Marine Radio and the LightHouse II Version 12 Software upgrade for Raymarine multifunction displays. Raymarine’s new line of VHF radios are being showcased this week at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2014. As Raymarine’s new flagship VHF, Ray70 streamlines multiple communication tools into a single device. The Ray70’s integral Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver simplifies installation and delivers vessel traffic information to compatible navigation displays.

True Heading to Debut Seapilot in North America

True Heading, a manufacturer of Automatic Identification System (AIS) and telematics solutions, announced it will launch its pleasure boat specific AIS/navigation brand, Seapilot, in North America. Providing professional-level AIS performance, Seapilot offers both software and hardware solutions to the recreational boater. Built to the highest of standards, the easy-to-use Seapilot Navigation app utilizes S-57 vector chart data displayed on its proprietary chart engine, combined with a direct GPS connection for position and to present up-to-the-minute AIS data on portable devices including iPads and iPhones.

McMurdo to Showcase Products in Newport

The McMurdo range of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) MOB devices will be on display in booth D92 at the 2014 Newport International Boat Show, September 11-14 at the Newport Yachting Center in Newport, Rhode Island. The compact McMurdo Smartfind Plus G5 GPS EPIRB features a high performance, multi-channel GPS which brings the location accuracy down to typically less than 62 meters, greatly increasing the chances of rescue in an emergency situation.

Simrad Debuts RS90 VHF Radio

Simrad, designer and manufacturer of marine electronics, has announced  its powerful and versatile new modular, black box VHF radio, the RS90. Packed with innovative communication features the RS90 offers unparalleled performance with a standard feature set that includes an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, hailer, foghorn and intercom, as well as NMEA connectivity for sharing data across the network with Simrad multifunction displays. The Simrad RS90 high-performance VHF radio extends beyond basic communications and provides boaters advanced functionality anywhere on board.

MATRIX AIS/GPS GX2200 Launched

Standard Horizon announced the new GX2200 Matrix AIS/GPS, now with Class D DSC Fixed Mount VHF with integrated AIS and GPS, 30W PA/Hailer and RAM mic option, available starting January 2014. According to the manufacturer, key features include Integrated AIS and GPS, 4800 and 38400 baud rate selections (Allows connection to GPS Chart Plotter with 1 NMEA IN/OUT), selectable True and Magnetic readings for AIS target and PA/FOG simultaneous operation with AIS display and GPS status page.

Ocean Signal Appoints True Heading as Sweden Distributor

Ocean Signal appointed True Heading, a company with more than 40 years of experience in navigation and AIS (Automatic Identification System), as its dedicated country distributor for Sweden. True Heading has been developing AIS standards and translating them into practical products for several years. True Heading will have key responsibility for increasing sales of Ocean Signal’s SafeSea portfolio, which includes the V100 GMDSS hand-held radio, as well as the E100 and E100G EPIRBS and S100 SART. The company also distributes Hemisphere GPS and thermal imaging cameras from FLIR.

Raymarine Debuts Expanded Ray 260 VHF

The Ray 260 is Raymarine’s new VHF radio, designed to complement and enhance the latest generation of Raymarine multifunction displays (MFDS) and instruments. The new addition to Raymarine’s range features a modular design with a remotely mounted Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) black-box transceiver, remote speaker receiver and a full function handset, designed with a large LCD and dedicated soft keys for easy control of features and functions. The powerful, remote-mounted speaker ensures VHF traffic is heard clearly.

Northport Systems' Fugawi Marine 5 Navigation Software Shipping

Newly Designed Navigation Software Offers Streamlined Way to Manage Boat Navigation Systems. Software manufacturer Northport Systems Inc. has announced  the availability of its next-generation, streamlined marine navigation software, Fugawi Marine 5. Completely redesigned from the ground up to make it easier for sailors, power boaters and anglers to manage their boat’s navigation systems to better suit their needs and have more fun on the water, Fugawi Marine 5 revolutionizes navigation, waypoint management and chart downloading.

3D Vessel Tracking: A New Course in Port Traffic Control

Marine operators and entities have long struggled with the most efficient, effective means to monitor and manage traffic in increasingly busy ports around the world. The marine industry, unlike the airline industry, is unique in that mixed with high levels of commercial traffic is a broad and ever changing mix of personal watercraft of varying sizes, with equal variables in terms of operator experience. Thus the ability to rapidly collect, compute, disseminate and act on information is central to safe port operations. A U.K.