Vesper Marine launches upgrade for WatchMate AIS

Built with smaller (sub IMO) commercial and leisure vessels in mind Vision2 features a capacitive touchscreen, allowing users to scroll through menus, zoom in and out, select vessels for additional details and navigation data, change alarm settings and more with the gentlest of touches. Its 5.7-inch colour display has excellent optical clarity over a wide viewing angle, even with polarized glasses.

“Our WatchMate Vision2 is the most advanced AIS transponder on the market,” said Jeff Robbins, CEO, Vesper Marine. “Already packed with life saving features like smartAIS alarms, DSC calling and faster GPS, we have enhanced the user experience with an easy to use touchscreen, faster Wi-Fi, more Wi-Fi connections and a brighter display.”

While traditional AIS transponders only send and receive AIS signals, Vesper Marine’s smartAIS units continuously calculate crossing situations and generate collision alarms for critical navigation action; alert the crew of an anchor dragging as well as changes in wind speed, wind direction and water depth while at anchor; and activate alarms in case of a man overboard (MOB) with continuously updated positions for quick retrieval. These capabilities are built into the transponder itself and with an audible alarm these critical safety features don’t rely on any other equipment.

Vesper Marine also announced a new world’s first with the Vision2 – the first ever hardware upgrade. Existing Vision customers will be able to upgrade to the new Vision2 smartAIS transponder. The factory upgrade will be fully tested and will include a 12-month warranty from the date of the upgrade. Upgrades will be available from July 2018.

By Jake Frith