WatchMate

WatchMate is an application purpose-built to enhance marine navigational safety by offering remote control functions and advanced Automatic Identification System (AIS) situational awareness, directly from your handheld device. It is tailored for seamless integration with your WatchMate Vision® or XB-8000 via WiFi, enabling a host of features to ensure a safer and more informed sailing experience.

Key features include an AIS-targeted plotter screen that displays navigation details in heading or north-up orientation and the management of collision prevention alarm profiles. The app actively illustrates crossing situations with other vessels through CPA (Closest Point of Approach) and TCPA (Time to CPA) visualizations. It also promptly raises alarms for Man Overboard (MOB) incidents via received AIS SART, MOB, and EPIRB targets, and acquires target vessel details, including cached names.

The application facilitates tracking through a sortable list view of AIS targets based on priority, CPA, TCPA, and range. Additionally, the Anchor Watch alarming system is both displayable and controllable for optimal anchoring safety. Even when not visibly in use, it remains vigilant, continuing to monitor Collision Prevention, MOB, and Anchor Watch alarms, operating actively in the background.

Equipped with diagnostics, this tool assists with GPS and AIS antenna setup, alongside connection checks with other devices via NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 protocols. It even allows for performance simulations and firmware upgrades to enhance readiness and device maintenance.

For users of WatchMate Vision, an extra feature filters out low-priority vessels, minimizing screen clutter and enabling a focus on important navigational data. This software is carefully curated to supplement navigation toolkits. However, it's crucial to recognize that no technology can offer complete infallibility. Vigilance and the use of multiple navigation aids in tandem with this application is essential for the safest journey possible. Always ensure the use of sound judgement and maintain a permanent watch, ensuring technology complements but does not replace human senses and decision-making in navigation.