Artificial intelligence continues to move from the fringes of marine technology into the everyday tools sailors and professional mariners rely on. This week, Hefring Marine and SEA.AI announced a new partnership aimed at bringing AI enhanced vision and onboard analytics together to elevate safety and situational awareness at sea.

Hefring Marine, an Icelandic marine technology company known for its intelligent maritime analytics, will integrate SEA.AI’s machine vision collision avoidance technology with its IMAS platform. The result is a combined system designed to help operators better understand what is happening both around the boat and within it.

Hefring Marine’s IMAS platform uses AI sensor data and edge computing to provide real time operational intelligence. It is designed to support safer decision making while improving efficiency and sustainability across a wide range of vessels. SEA.AI brings a different but complementary capability to the table, using optical and thermal cameras paired with artificial intelligence to detect and identify floating objects in real time, including hazards that can be difficult to spot by eye or radar alone.

“At Hefring Marine, our mission is to empower vessel operators by enhancing safety, efficiency and sustainability through intelligent technology,” said Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO of Hefring Marine. “This partnership with SEA.AI allows us to offer our clients an even more comprehensive solution that combines operational intelligence with advanced collision avoidance capabilities. Together, we are setting a new standard for maritime safety and performance.”

By integrating the two systems, operators gain a more complete picture of both external risks and onboard performance. The companies say the combined technology is intended to improve situational awareness, streamline operations and support compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations by helping crews operate more efficiently.

SEA.AI CEO Marcus Warrelmann sees the partnership as a natural extension of his company’s focus on maritime machine vision. “Partnering with Hefring Marine solidifies SEA.AI’s position as a pioneer in maritime smart vision technology,” Warrelmann said. “By joining forces with such an advanced analytics platform, we are creating an integrated ecosystem that addresses the full spectrum of maritime operational needs.”

SEA.AI has been developing machine vision systems for maritime use since 2018, offering solutions that combine AI with optical and thermal sensors for recreational commercial and government vessels. Hefring Marine’s IMAS platform is already used across multiple workboat sectors to support safety fuel efficiency and data driven fleet management.

For cruising sailors and offshore operators alike, the collaboration signals how quickly AI based tools are becoming more integrated into onboard systems. Rather than standalone gadgets, future safety technology increasingly points toward unified platforms that help crews see more, know more, and respond faster at sea.

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Iris Innovations has launched Photon, a compact 4K night vision CCTV camera designed to make safe nighttime navigation accessible to every boater. The new model promises exceptional visibility, even in near-total darkness, without relying on infrared or thermal imaging.

Whether cruising after dusk, fishing before sunrise, or running coastal patrols, Photon captures detailed full-color video in conditions as dark as starlight. Its ultra-sensitive 0.0003 lux minimum illumination and 4K resolution deliver clarity and situational awareness at a fraction of the cost of traditional thermal cameras.

“Photon is for anyone who wants to navigate with confidence after dark and can be used on any vessel—from leisure and sportfishing boats to yachts, commercial operators and law enforcement patrol craft,” said Carl Hitchcock, CEO of Iris Innovations. “It delivers extraordinary low-light performance at a fraction of the cost of thermal and other night vision cameras, and because it’s 4K, the detail and definition are outstanding.”

Built to marine-grade standards, the Photon is fully EN60945 EMC compliant and rated IP67 for durability in saltwater and harsh conditions. Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation, and each unit includes a rugged waterproof PoE injector.

The system integrates with major marine electronics brands, including Raymarine, Navico (Simrad, B&G, Lowrance), Furuno, and Garmin via Iris’s CMAC management system and IrisControl App for Garmin OneHelm.

“We’ve always focused on designing rugged, purpose-built cameras for demanding marine and commercial applications,” Hitchcock added. “With Photon, we’ve taken that expertise and combined it with cutting-edge low-light and 4K processing technology to deliver a camera that performs brilliantly at a price point that puts it within reach for all boat owners and operators.”

Set to debut at METSTRADE 2025 in Amsterdam, the Photon will retail for $1,295 and be available worldwide through Iris Innovations’ dealer network beginning in late November. Two lens options are offered: a standard 12mm lens for long-distance viewing and a 2.8mm super wide-angle lens for side, rear, or backup applications.For more details, visit boat-cameras.com.

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A new feature from the Noforeignland app aims to make digital seamanship even easier for sailors on the move.

The popular social platform for cruisers, Noforeignland, has introduced a built-in GPS boat tracker that allows sailors to share their positions, record passages, and document their voyages, all at no cost. Available for both Apple and Android devices, the app has grown rapidly since its launch and now claims the world’s largest online sailing community.

“We wanted yacht tracking that just works; no subscriptions, no setup,” said Steve Neal, co-founder of Noforeignland with his wife, Helena. “Our built-in GPS lets sailors share their adventures instantly and securely, all for free.”

Using the new tracker is simple. Users can tap Move My Boat to log a position update, or choose Record My Boat Track to start a live track of a passage. The app then uses the phone’s GPS to create an accurate record of the journey, which can later be shared or exported.

For cruisers already using satellite devices or tracking systems, Noforeignland is designed to integrate easily. The app is compatible with Garmin inReach, Iridium GO!, Yellowbrick, PredictWind DataHub, and other systems. Users can also import or export GPX files for seamless data sharing between tools.

Where Noforeignland appears to stand out from most tracking platforms is in how it weaves navigation and storytelling together. Sailors can attach photos, videos, and notes to their routes, building a personalized digital logbook that doubles as a public journal for family, friends, and fellow voyagers.

Founded in 2017, Noforeignland has evolved into a crowd-sourced global sailing resource, combining location-based information, social networking, and now, vessel tracking. Its community-driven “wiki” model lets users contribute details about anchorages, marinas, and shore facilities in real time. The app and website are free to use, with no data selling or tiered paywalls, and supported instead by community donations and partnerships.

For everyday cruisers, the app’s latest update represents another step toward integrating passage tracking, navigation, and social connection into a single, free platform.Learn more or download the app at noforeignland.com.

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At the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, SEA.AI earned the Innovation Route Award in the category of “Solutions that improve the navigation experience” for its new Watchkeeper system. The honor recognizes forward-thinking products that advance comfort, safety, and performance on the water, and Watchkeeper stood out among more than 120 entries.

Collisions remain the leading cause of serious marine accidents, often involving not just other boats but also floating debris, unlit buoys, marine mammals, and even people in the water. Traditional systems such as radar and AIS frequently miss these hazards, particularly at night. SEA.AI’s Watchkeeper uses ultra-wide 4K optics, optional thermal imaging, and artificial intelligence trained on millions of marine objects to detect and classify risks, then alert crews in real time.

“Winning the Innovation Route Award is a huge honor, not just for the tech, but for the team and community behind it,” said Marcus Warrelmann, CEO of SEA.AI. “We’ve been pushing the boundaries of maritime AI since 2018, back when SEA.AI was still known as OSCAR. Our offshore racing partners created the very first training dataset, braving brutal 24-hour conditions to teach our AI to detect floating hazards that other systems, or even the human eye, can miss.”

The Watchkeeper line starts at $4,990 for the entry-level dawn-to-dusk model and scales through seven configurations designed for different vessels and navigation styles. Options range from low-light optical setups for coastal cruising to full thermal imaging for offshore sailors seeking around-the-clock protection.

The system is designed for easy installation and integration with existing onboard electronics, handheld devices, and LTE connectivity for real-time updates and diagnostics. Available in black or white to match various yacht profiles, Watchkeeper features an intuitive interface with simple, clear alerts that require minimal training.

For many early users, the value lies in pairing advanced technology with practical usability. “I chose Watchkeeper because it offers true AI innovation in a form that’s accessible and practical. As an owner, I value technology that enhances safety without adding complexity, and Watchkeeper delivers exactly that,” said yacht owner Marco Bocchieri.

Capt. Riccardo Spatolisano, skipper of the Azimut 26 Grande MY BK, added: “Even with limited use so far, Watchkeeper impressed me. The AI instantly picks up and classifies objects, and the system is straightforward to operate — advanced technology made remarkably easy to use.”

With this recognition from Cannes, SEA.AI’s Watchkeeper is positioned as a next-generation safety solution for sailors and cruisers alike, delivering tools to make time on the water more secure and less stressful.

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Weems & Plath has introduced a first-of-its-kind LED steaming and deck light designed with sailors in mind. The new OGM LX Steaming/Deck Light combines a USCG-certified masthead steaming light with an integrated deck light capable of switching between red and white illumination at the flip of a switch.

For cruising sailors, the ability to shift between red and white light on deck is especially practical. Red light preserves night vision and minimizes glare during overnight passages, while white light makes it easier to handle sails, lines and hardware when detailed work is required. Traditionally, these functions have required separate fixtures and additional wiring.

“An OGM Steaming/Deck Light has been a highly requested item among our customers,” says Michael Flanagan, president and owner of Weems & Plath. “When we started designing it, we realized how cool it would be to have a deck light that offered the option of either red or white illumination. As far as we are aware, there are no other steaming/deck lights on the market that offer that capability.”

Built for offshore conditions, the LX Steaming/Deck Light features a solid aluminum housing with military-spec anodizing, sealed UV-resistant acrylic lenses and powerful LEDs rated for over 100,000 hours of service. Its rounded contours reduce snags with sails and rigging, while multiple screw-mounting points and flexible aluminum wings provide a secure fit on a wide range of masts.

The new light exceeds three nautical miles of visibility and is ideal for sailboats and powerboats under 65 feet. Each unit includes marine-grade wiring and a limited lifetime warranty.

For sailors outfitting or upgrading navigation lights, the LX Steaming/Deck Light offers a streamlined approach: fewer fixtures, simplified wiring and the flexibility of dual-color deck lighting—all from a trusted name in marine gear.

Learn more at Weems & Plath.

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While electric propulsion remains a talking point across the marine industry, Joool has been quietly proving the technology for more than two decades—and now it’s bringing that experience to cruising sailboats.

A division of Alternatives Energies (AE), Joool is showcasing its electric and hybrid propulsion systems at the Cannes Yachting Festival. AE’s track record includes launching the first lithium-ion passenger vessel in 2005 and the first certified hydrogen-powered ferry in 2015. Its technology now powers more than 150 hybrid and electric vessels worldwide, carrying over 20 million passengers.

Through Joool, that expertise is being tailored to the recreational market. More than 60 sailing yachts already use Joool systems, including 18 in charter fleets with builders such as Fountaine Pajot, Leopard and Dufour. The systems are designed to give owners and charter operators quiet operation, dependable power management and low-maintenance propulsion.

“Owners and charter operators want more than just green credentials,” said Antoine Lecestre, CEO of Joool. “They want confidence, luxury, independence, and a unique client experience. With Joool, they can deliver it all.”

How the System Works

At the heart of each installation is the OneBox, a compact, intelligent energy hub managing everything from electric propulsion pods to solar, wind, hydrogeneration, shore power and gensets. With more than 200,000 recorded usage hours, Joool’s energy management software has been refined to deliver seamless performance and efficient power use at sea.

Key features include:

• Electric POD propulsion with hydrogeneration capability
• Safe, recyclable LFP batteries with certified fire protection
• Integrated Energy Propulsion Management System with remote monitoring and diagnostics
• Turnkey installation optimized for shipyards
• Seven-year warranty supported by a global service network

This modular, preconfigured approach gives boatbuilders a single-source solution and shortens installation timelines. For sailors, the benefits include silent anchoring, efficient passages and a higher level of onboard independence.

With accelerating demand for clean propulsion options in the cruising market, Joool’s appearance at Cannes signals a maturing technology ready for mainstream adoption.

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For professional operators managing multiple boats, keeping tasks organized across teams is an ongoing challenge. Sailsense has introduced a new Team Tasks module to its mobile app, designed to bring more clarity and control to day-to-day fleet management.

The module offers a unified task list with smart filters, visual tags, and real-time updates, making it easier for teams to stay aligned and act quickly. Users can sort by status, assignee, boat, or priority, and track progress on everything from simple onboard checks to complex maintenance jobs.

Task creation has been redesigned for speed and simplicity. According to Sailsense, new defaults and streamlined inputs allow operators to add a clear description, assign responsibility, and set priority or due dates in seconds. Supporting documents, photos, or videos can be attached directly to each task, reducing back-and-forth and improving accuracy.

Communication has also been upgraded. The app now displays ticket history as a conversation thread, keeping all updates, messages, and shared files in one place. Push notifications ensure team members stay informed as work progresses.

The Team Tasks module is part of a broader Sailsense platform that includes automated SmartCare maintenance scheduling, performance dashboards, partner Points of Interest, BoatGuard security, and live boat data monitoring.

For Sailsense users, the update brings a more efficient way to coordinate operations and ensure no detail is overlooked. The new module is available now through the App Store and Google Play.

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At this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, safety technology is taking the spotlight. SEA.AI, a company known for its AI-driven machine vision systems, introduced Watchkeeper, an entry-level solution designed to help sailors and cruisers avoid collisions on the water.

The system has been selected as part of Cannes’ “Innovation Route,” a showcase of the show’s most cutting-edge products. According to SEA.AI, collisions are the “first event” in more than half of boating accidents resulting in injury or death—a statistic that highlights the growing importance of automated watchkeeping aids.

Watchkeeper is built around ultra-wide 4K low-light optics, with optional thermal imaging for nighttime use. The system draws on SEA.AI’s proprietary database of millions of marine objects, giving it the ability to detect and identify hazards ranging from buoys and debris to unlit vessels.

Pricing for the Watchkeeper starts at approximately $5,800, positioning it as an accessible safety upgrade for a wide range of sailors and powerboaters. Configurations range from the base daytime model to a fully equipped version with expanded night vision, field of view, and detection range.

SEA.AI emphasizes that Watchkeeper is designed to fit both sailing and motor vessels, with lightweight integration for cruising yachts and the responsiveness needed for higher-speed powerboats. The interface is intentionally straightforward, and installation can be handled by SEA.AI’s service team or local distributors.

By offering a consistent “second set of eyes” on the water, Watchkeeper aims to give boaters greater confidence whether they’re cruising offshore, navigating coastal waters, or returning to harbor after sunset.More information is available at SEA.AI Watchkeeper.

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Garmin has posted robust financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with double-digit revenue growth reported across all business segments—including a notable 10% gain in the marine division. Consolidated revenue for the quarter reached $1.81 billion, up 20% compared to Q2 of 2024.

The company’s marine segment, which includes chartplotters, radars, and marine audio systems, delivered $63 million in operating income. Garmin attributed this success in part to recent product launches, such as the GPSMAP 15×3 series, the new Fusion Apollo RA800 marine stereo, and the Quatix 8 smartwatch—each designed to enhance the boating and cruising experience.

“We delivered another quarter of outstanding financial results with double-digit growth in every segment,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and CEO. “Our strong lineup of innovative and highly differentiated products continues to resonate with customers.”

Fitness, outdoor, and aviation segments also reported strong performance, while the company’s automotive OEM division marked a milestone with the shipment of its one-millionth BMW domain controller, despite a small operating loss.

Based on these results, Garmin has raised its full-year revenue guidance for 2025 to $7.1 billion and expects pro forma earnings per share of $8.00. The next quarterly dividend of $0.90 per share is scheduled for September 26, 2025.

Garmin also completed its acquisition of Mylaps, a sports timing and analytics company, further expanding its reach in the performance technology sector.

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Last year, I had the opportunity to operate the American Magic simulator, which had the exact same configuration as the racing yacht itself. I felt like I was in the cockpit of a spacecraft. All the screens, buttons, readouts, digital files, and headsets for communication reminded me of Buck Rogers and Star Trek.

I’m sure that the computers and artificial intelligence helped the sailors in their quest to win the America’s Cup, but I was bewildered. One of the coaches said that today’s better Cup ­helmsmen are skilled video-game players, and often aircraft pilots comfortable with sophisticated instrumentation.

A few days after my time in the simulator, I enjoyed a sail on a brisk winter’s day aboard my 32-foot sloop. My complete package of instruments includes a compass, a VHS radio and a nautical chart. The sharp contrast between Whirlwind and the America’s Cup yachts made me think about the appropriate amount of ­instrumentation that should be aboard a sailboat.

We live in an age when computers, GPS, chart plotters, accurate instruments and navigational tools are ubiquitous. On bigger boats, the chart table contains a labyrinth of electronic tools that are great until something goes wrong. Then what? 

Stan Honey, one of the most successful racing navigators of our era, says that he always carries paper charts, even with the availability of electronic aids. For my part, before every race or cruising adventure, I take the time to study charts so that I have a mental image of the waters. I particularly note shallow spots and places with large tides and swift currents. If a boat loses power or develops a short circuit, paper charts will save the day. I like to use waterproof charts on deck. Paper charts need to be stored in a dry space. I use plastic folders.

GPS is amazingly accurate and easy to use. It can indicate a boat’s position and speed, help to add waypoints, and assist in calculating course and distance to a destination. On my cruising boats, I’ve always had at least two GPS systems with an abundant supply of batteries. When sailing on waters noted for fog, a GPS is a fundamental aid. 

Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book, published annually for 150 years, is another invaluable guide. It includes tides and currents, celestial-body timings, navigational rules, piloting tips, emergency first aid, marine weather guidance, tips on electronic navigation, light lists, and coastal piloting ­information for mariners from Nova Scotia to Key West, Florida. The yellow-cover book is a must for any chart table. Plus, nifty stories are sprinkled throughout the text. 

Reeds Nautical Almanac is another useful publication for sailors. I also stock up on cruising guides for the area in which I will be sailing. The US Coast Guard publishes the Coast Pilot series for the entire United States in eight volumes. This information is helpful when entering harbors, to avoid dangers to navigation.  

For many mariners, an important volume is American Practical Navigator, first published by Nathaniel Bowditch in 1802. It is updated frequently and has all the ­information for celestial navigation and ­piloting. I still have my copy of the 1,514-page 1968 edition with hundreds of earmarked pages. The newer additions are slimmed down to 950 pages.

A compass has been a trusted tool for sailors since 200 B.C. In the year 1120, the compass was used for marine navigation using Earth’s electromagnetic field. The compass is reliable and easy to use, but it needs to be corrected for deviation from a boat’s magnetic forces and variation for the differences in the magnetic fields across the globe. It’s important to have a professional adjust the compass so that it is accurate. Modern electronic compasses with digital readouts are helpful tools. I also keep a hand bearing compass on board if I need to do some piloting.

Essential instruments on sailboats are a boatspeed indicator, windspeed and direction indicators, and a fathometer. I like to know the wind velocity and direction, the angle of the apparent wind, the depth of the water, and how fast the boat is moving. My philosophy is to keep instrumentation simple so that I can spend my time enjoying the sailing.  

On racing boats, the appetite for ­additional information never seems to be ­satisfied. A navigator will sit near the helm with a tablet to calculate wind trends, watch the changing course and bearing to the next mark, continually calculate the direction and speed of currents, monitor the state of tidal rise, and study optimal ­performance data. At least one ­crewmember focuses ­exclusively on the data. All this information is interesting but, in my view, not necessary for most enthusiasts. 

A barometer indicates changes in the weather. NOAA Weather Radio, found on VHS radio, and satellite sources such as Starlink give up-to-date weather forecasts. Cellphones are reliable, with connectivity available in most of the country. The important thing is to keep your cellphone dry and secure. Many cellphones are on the bottom of our bays and lakes.

Binoculars are a wonderful aid, whether used for navigation or simply observing the surroundings. When binoculars come on deck, notice how frequently they are passed around to the crew. Everyone wants a look.

A masthead wind indicator is my most helpful aid when sailing. I look aloft frequently to check that my sails are trimmed properly to the direction of the wind. The masthead fly is a particularly useful reference when maneuvering and changing course. An osprey once landed on my masthead fly and broke it. I felt hobbled without it. My next masthead fly included a stiff shaft extending upward. I haven’t been ­bedeviled by a bird since.

A sextant is still a good navigational aid, but most sailors prefer the convenience of GPS. It takes practice to get a precise fix using a sextant, along with an accurate timepiece and a set of tables for calculating position. Still, taking a course on celestial navigation is beneficial. It took me a few years as a maritime cadet to become proficient using a sextant. If I could get a celestial fix within 5 miles of my location, I was happy.

Sailors who want to install a full set of electronics around a chart table should hire a professional. Clearly marked wires will help when repairs are necessary. The best systems should be minimal and easy to use. 

Take the time to learn how to use each piece of equipment. So start with a ­compass, and expand from there.

Sailing Hall of Fame inductee and ­co-President Gary Jobson is a winning America’s Cup tactician, writer, broadcaster and CW editor-at-large.

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