An aid to situational awareness
BoatVision is intended to provide supplemental visual information to the vessel operator. It is not an autopilot, collision-avoidance system, or substitute for the captain’s judgment. It does not control, steer, slow, or stop the vessel.
It does not replace a proper lookout
The operator must maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing and use all appropriate means available under the circumstances. BoatVision does not replace the captain, crew, proper watchkeeping, prudent seamanship, or compliance with COLREGs and other applicable laws, regulations, and procedures.
It does not replace navigation equipment
BoatVision is not a substitute for radar, AIS, official charts, GPS, depth instruments, sonar, navigation lights, communications equipment, required safety equipment, or any other appropriate instrument or procedure. Safe navigation depends on combining the right information sources for the vessel, conditions, and operation.
Visual detection has limits
Object detection can be affected by camera selection and placement, field of view, installation, calibration, lighting, glare, fog, rain, spray, darkness, sea state, vessel movement, vibration, occlusion, object size and position, lens condition, maintenance, model version, and software configuration. BoatVision cannot identify a submerged object or water depth when that information is not visibly detectable in the camera view.
Objects may be missed or identified incorrectly
BoatVision may fail to detect an object, may lose track of an object, may classify an object incorrectly, or may present a false alert. A displayed outline or label should be treated as information for the captain to assess, not as proof of an object’s identity, risk, course, intent, or legal status.
Person-in-water awareness is not guaranteed
A person may not be detected because of distance, lighting, waves, occlusion, camera view, movement, object size, clothing, glare, weather, or other conditions. BoatVision must never be used as the sole means of detecting or responding to a person in the water. Operators must follow appropriate recovery, communications, and emergency procedures.
The captain stays in command
The captain and vessel operator remain responsible for navigation, vessel operation, speed, course, lookout, compliance with applicable rules, and the safety of the vessel, passengers, and crew. Information from BoatVision must be considered alongside direct observation, other instruments, local conditions, and professional judgment.