On average, each year, at least 23 people drown as a result of boating accidents in Australia, and 20 people in New Zealand* – with the key demographic being males aged 50-75.
While failure to wear a lifejacket is one of the leading causes of drowning, another crucial risk factor is an inability to communicate with emergency contacts when an accident happens. This is why Mercury has developed 1st Mate, the world’s first engine-integrated “man overboard” monitoring and warning system.
The 1st Mate Marine Safety and Security System uses wearable technology for up to eight people. It’s designed to turn off the engine, sound an alarm during “man overboard” events, and send distress messages to the captain’s emergency contacts.Â
The technology is designed to create confidence for a captain, their passengers and their family and friends at home.Â
It is composed of an intelligent hub, a set of wearable devices, and a mobile app. It ensures direct integration between 1st Mate and the vessel’s propulsion system.Â
An additional and valuable feature for all boaters is the Theft Deterrent System that prevents unauthorised use by locking the engine when the captain is away from the vessel.Â
