Frequently asked questions
Your questions about BoatVision.
If you’re considering BoatVision for your boat or your crew, these answers explain what it does, what it can miss, and what you need to get started.
The basics
What does BoatVision do?
BoatVision checks live video from your camera and shows outlines around detected boats, markers, floating objects, and people on a compatible helm screen or multifunction display (MFD). It gives you more information to help you keep watch and look after everyone aboard. The processing happens on a ruggedized unit right on your boat.
Where do the outlines appear?
On your compatible helm screen or MFD. The camera supplies video, the BoatVision platform checks it for objects, and the outlines, labels, and visual alerts appear on your display.
Does it steer the boat?
No. You remain at the helm and decide how to respond. BoatVision does not steer, slow, stop, or otherwise control the boat.
Is the AI trained for boating?
Yes. Its purpose-built Maritime AI Models are software trained on boating scenes to recognize things you may encounter on the water. They check the camera view in real time, but they can still miss objects, especially when they are small, distant, or hard to see.
What can it recognize?
It can identify boats and other watercraft, channel markers, pilings, floating objects, and people in the water. They must be visible to the camera. BoatVision can miss any of these, so keep watching for yourself.
How does it decide what needs attention?
The software looks at what an object appears to be, where it is, and how it moves to choose a visual alert for your screen or MFD. You still need to judge the whole situation. The alert cannot tell you who should give way or which way to turn.
On your boat
What is the BoatVision maritime platform?
It is the purpose-built, ruggedized unit that does the processing aboard your boat. It connects to your camera, runs the Maritime AI Models in real time, and sends the results to your compatible screen or MFD. It is made for maritime conditions.
Which cameras can it connect to?
It connects to most cameras, including FLIR, SIONYX, and other brands. We’ll check your camera model, connections, and mounting position before confirming what will work aboard your boat.
Do I need an internet connection?
No. The BoatVision unit processes your camera’s video aboard your boat and shows visual alerts on your screen or MFD without internet. The video does not need to be sent ashore for processing.
Can I add it to my boat?
We can review an installation for your existing boat. We’ll need to check your camera and its view, your helm display, wiring, power, and a suitable place to mount the BoatVision unit.
What kinds of boats can use it?
We can review installations for sailboats, recreational powerboats, fishing boats, workboats, and patrol boats. Each boat’s camera, display, power, and mounting arrangements need to be checked.
Can I use BoatVision on a sailboat?
Yes, subject to an installation review. On a sailboat, the camera needs a useful view around sails, rigging, and deck equipment. We’ll also check mounting, power, wiring, and the helm display. You continue to handle the boat and sails.
Does BoatVision work offshore or on a bluewater passage?
Yes. Detection and visual alerts work aboard without cellular or satellite internet, whether you’re under sail or under power. On a long passage, you still need a rested, attentive person keeping watch. Boat movement, spray, weather, and the camera’s view affect what BoatVision can find.
Visibility and conditions
Does it work at night?
That depends on the camera you connect, where it is mounted, and the conditions. BoatVision can only process the view that camera provides. Night display mode dims the helm screen to make it more comfortable to use after dark; it does not help the camera see further or through darkness.
What about rain, fog, glare, or rough water?
Rain, fog, glare, spray, and waves can hide an object or make it hard to recognize. BoatVision cannot see through an obstruction. If the camera’s view is poor, the system may miss something you need to know about.
Can it detect a person in the water?
It can show an outline on your screen or MFD around a person it identifies in the camera’s video, but it can miss someone. Keep looking for yourself and follow your recovery procedures. If you see a person in the water, act without waiting for an alert.
Can it tell me the depth or find submerged rocks?
No. It does not measure depth or find hazards hidden below the surface. Keep using your charts and depth instruments.
Safety and navigation
Does it replace radar, AIS, or a lookout?
No. Keep watching and listening all around the boat, and keep using the navigation equipment appropriate to your trip. Radar and AIS, if fitted, provide other information you may need. BoatVision gives you additional information from the camera’s view.
If there’s no alert, is the way ahead clear?
No. Something could be outside the camera’s view, hidden by a wave, or missed by the software. A screen with no alerts does not mean the water ahead is clear.
Will it prevent a collision?
BoatVision can help draw your attention to something ahead, but it can miss objects and does not guarantee collision avoidance. You still need to keep watch and make safe decisions for your boat and the people aboard.
Will it sound an alarm?
No. BoatVision shows visual alerts on your screen or MFD. You should not expect an audible warning.
Navigator Plan
What does the Navigator Plan include?
The Navigator Plan is an annual software update plan. It gives you access to new releases as they become available, including improvements to the Maritime AI Models, new features, and system performance.
Will BoatVision stop working if I don’t renew?
No. The software already installed on your boat keeps working. Renewing the Navigator Plan gives you access to new updates again.
Getting started
How can I see a demo?
Send us a note through the Request a Demo form. Tell us about your boat, where you go, and what you’d like to see. We’ll follow up by email.
Can builders and installers work with you?
Yes. Tell us about the boats you build or the equipment you install, and we can talk through how BoatVision could fit. Fleet operators and marine technology companies are welcome to get in touch too.
Can patrol and government crews evaluate BoatVision?
Yes. We can discuss a trial with state, local, and federal crews, based on their boats, routes, cameras, and working conditions. The Public Safety page explains the system and the things to consider before an agency trial.