Category: Safety & SAR

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Garmin shrinks Vesper product line. Will only Cortex remain?

Although it acquired Vesper Marine in January of 2022, even today Garmin’s VHF/AIS product pages only list the Cortex and its accessories. The entire WatchMate product line is conspicuously absent from the product list, and the Vesper name is absent from the Cortex items. In retrospect, these are telling ommissions, as today Garmin confirmed that the WatchMate XB-6000, XB-8000 and Vision2 have all been discontinued, soon to be followed with the Vesper brand name.

11

Garmin, Raymarine, and Simrad enclosed radars compared, part 2

Part 1 of my radar comparison generated a good discussion about the results and highlighted some opportunities to get back out on the water and complete some additional testing. I’m back with part 2 and the results of that additional testing. I’ve been able to test some additional scenarios, different settings, and more features of all three radars.

17

Enclosed radars compared, including Garmin, Raymarine, and Simrad

I often shy away from recommending one manufacturer’s products over another. I feel the comparison is usually highly subjective and what works for me may not work for others. But, an on-the-water comparison of Garmin, Raymarine, and Simrad’s current radar units allows all of us to see the results and decide for ourselves what we like best.

3

Iris Innovations Launches New Ultra Affordable Thermal Vision Camera

Iris Innovations, leader in affordable on-board camera security and situational awareness systems, announced today the release of a new line of ultra-affordable dual-spectrum IP thermal PTZ cameras – ATOM. The cameras feature a high definition two mega-pixel visual spectrum camera with 10x optical and 10x digital zoom, and two options of high-resolution 12-micron thermal cores (400×300 and 640×512 resolutions). Both options boast an ultra-sensitive detection range of <40mK. The cameras can interface over IP directly to Iris CMAC camera management systems and leading chart plotters, and...

2

OSCAR Rebrands to SEA.AI

Founded in 2018 and based in Austria, France, Portugal and the US, the tech startup had previously used the names OSCAR, BSB Artificial Intelligence and BSB Marine for its different branches and products. From now on, all products and all corporate entities will be gathered together under the new umbrella SEA.AI…

1

Stay connected for up to 30 days with the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle from Garmin

Garmin today announced the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle,a satellite communication device with two-way messaging and SOS capabilities bundled with a boat-friendly mount that provides quick-and-easy access in a moment’s notice. Rugged, compact and purpose-built for life off the grid, the inReach Mini 2 comes packed with features that give mariners an added sense of security on the water such as two-way text messaging, location tracking and weather updates thanks to the global Iridium satellite network. In an emergency, inReach Mini 2 users can trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center.

27

SIONYX Launches Nightwave, Making Night as Clear as Day

SIONYX, a leader in digital color night vision technology, announces the launch of Nightwave, the first-of-its-kind marine camera system. Built around the brand’s proprietary Black Silicon BSI CMOS sensor, Nightwave allows mariners to navigate safely by easily spotting hazards and debris in moonless starlight without additional illumination, maximizing time on the water…

20

Simrad NSX, an impressive debut of Navico’s next-generation platform

The Simrad NSX may be a value-oriented chart plotter in Simrad’s lineup but “value model” doesn’t tell the story of how important NSX is to Simrad’s, and Navico’s, future. NSX is the first MFD running on Navico’s Neon operating system. I’ve been using an NSX in Panbo(at) for the last several months and I’m pleased to report NSX is an upgrade from the Simrad Go it replaced in nearly every dimension. If this is Navico’s future, the future is bright.

10

ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal Develop Next-Gen EPIRBs Ahead of IMO’s 2022 Mandate

Safety specialists ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal have announced the development of next generation EPIRBs which meet upcoming standards and incorporate more features to significantly enhance the chance of rescue in an emergency. Introducing integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) within their EPIRBs for the first time in conjunction with further new technology, ACR and Ocean Signal will launch the advanced beacons this year ahead of the enforcement of new updated IMO (International Maritime Organization) Maritime Safety Committee EPIRB regulations…