Unveiled recently at the Palm Beach International Boat Show (U.S.) and soon to be launched at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (Australia), the Sea.AI Watchkeeper is the latest innovation from Sea.AI, a European-based company known for pushing the boundaries of AI and optical technology in maritime safety. With Watchkeeper, the company is making its advanced object recognition capabilities—previously seen in high-end commercial systems like Sea.AI Sentry—available to a much broader market, including smaller recreational and fishing boats.
At the core of the Watchkeeper is a 4K ultra-wide low-light camera paired with Sea.AI’s extensive object detection software. It uses a database of millions of annotated marine objects—think buoys, logs, unlit dinghies, people in the water, and vessels without AIS—to identify and classify potential hazards in real time. The result is a system that delivers instant alerts, even in poor visibility, providing the skipper with vital seconds to react.
There are four versions of the Watchkeeper, including an entry-level model designed for dawn-to-dusk use and more advanced versions with full long-wave infrared thermal imaging for true 24/7 situational awareness. Pricing starts at €4,490 (approx. NZD $8,000), excluding tax, making it a serious investment for boaters who prioritise safety, especially those venturing offshore, fishing alone, or navigating busy waterways in limited visibility.
How Sea.AI Watchkeeper works
Watchkeeper integrates seamlessly with existing multi-function displays (MFDs) and marine electronics. The camera continuously scans the environment, and when it detects a potential collision risk, it triggers real-time alerts directly to the helm.
In clear conditions, the system excels at spotting even small floating objects that would be difficult or impossible to detect with the naked eye. In more challenging conditions—heavy rain or dense fog—performance naturally reduces, but Sea.AI emphasises that even then, it offers an extra layer of awareness when it matters most.
Unlike radar, which can sometimes clutter or miss small or non-reflective objects, and AIS, which only shows vessels transmitting their position, Watchkeeper brings the power of optical recognition and artificial intelligence to the wheelhouse. It’s not a replacement, but rather a supplement—another pair of eyes that never get tired, never blink, and never lose focus.
Sea.AI Watchkeeper is a step forward for boaties
Marcus Warrelmann, Sea.AI’s CEO, says Watchkeeper is about making advanced safety systems accessible:
“Collisions account for over half of all boating injuries. Watchkeeper is a proactive tool that gives skippers crucial reaction time. It’s your second set of eyes, working across all light conditions and sea states.”
The technology has been particularly well received in Australia, with Outback Marine spearheading its launch at Sanctuary Cove. Ran McDonald, Outback Marine’s Head of Sales, described it as a “major step forward in marine safety,” noting the growing demand from boaters for smarter, more intuitive systems.
For New Zealanders navigating complex coastal waters, bar crossings, and weather systems that can change in a flash, Watchkeeper could be a welcome addition. The system’s ability to detect and identify hazards such as driftwood, unlit boats, or even swimmers during low light conditions could reduce anxiety and increase confidence behind the helm.
Watchkeeper is suited to a wide range of users—cruisers, coastal fishers, and small-scale commercial operators—particularly those seeking enhanced night-time or foul-weather navigation support. With its modular product line, boat owners can choose a model that suits their needs and budget, whether they’re primarily day-boaters or planning overnight and offshore passages.
What’s next for Sea.AI?
In addition to Watchkeeper, Sea.AI is also promoting its “Brain” system—an AI processor that adds object detection capabilities to existing thermal cameras—and continues to develop solutions for bluewater sailors and racing teams. But Watchkeeper is clearly a signal that the company is turning its focus to the recreational market.
For those attending upcoming boat shows or dealer demos, getting hands-on with the Watchkeeper could be well worth the time. This is technology that doesn’t just promise better safety—it actually shows you the unseen.
New Zealand Sea.AI dealers are Global Marine Technology Services, and DM Marine Electronics.
