How new technologies can help for boater safety?

It is beautiful to witness the recent uptick in boating activity around the U.K. after the lock down was relaxed. The number of people out on boats is similar to twenty years ago. Berthing masters have reported being at capacity through September as brokers have sold out of vessels. There's no denying that the staycation effect' has gotten people interested in boats and water sports again as a fun, energizing way to spend time outdoors.

1. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) (PLB): -

A personal locator beacon (PLB) or electronic position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is a gadget that notifies rescue workers of your location and the nature of the situation. When activated, it contacts the nearest rescue coordination centre through satellite and earth stations, sending GPS coordinates on the 406 MHz distress frequency to alert local search and rescue troops.

2. Man Overboard Warning System: -

Over 1,800 people were ejected or fell overboard from recreational Boater Safety Awareness guidelines in 2020, according to the United States Coast Guard. Two types of wireless man overboard (MOB) devices are intended for use in coastal and inland waters and used at sea. Adults, children, and even pets can benefit from this technology, as it will sound an alarm if they go overboard. Several companies produce this technology, including ACR, Fell Marine, Sea-Tags, and Digital Yacht.

3. Anti-Collision Radar: -

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that by 2020, fifty per cent of all boating accidents will involve a collision as the primary cause. Digital radar has made the technology formerly unavailable to owners of recreational boats. Plus, user-friendliness has been increased by software

4. Night vision: -

Two-night vision technologies give boaters more security and peace of mind after dark. Some scopes can exponentially magnify even faint starlight from the backdrop. Objects, including submerged logs, garbage, or even a person overboard, can be seen clearly on the screen thanks to thermal night-vision cameras that detect and display even minute temperature variations.

5. GPS Touch Screen: -

You may view your position, heading, and speed on up-to-date nautical charts utilising GPS technology on the touchscreen console of your boat or a hand-held smartphone. Jobs, or "waypoints," can be saved by boaters, making it simple to return to a previously visited waterway, shoal, or fishing hotspot. Users can also design a route by connecting many sites. Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, and Hummingbird are some of the brands producing this technology.

6. Water Sports Foundation: -

In 2003, the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) established the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) as a nonprofit to focus on Boater Safety Awareness and education. The U.S. Coast Guard manages the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which provides funding for WSF's public outreach efforts in the name of safety and education. WSF's headquarters are in Orlando, Florida.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics for 2020 show that of those who drowned while boating, 86 per cent were not using life jackets. When shopping for a life vest, consumers should double-check that the product meets the requirements set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard for the intended purpose, age range, and body size.