Mercury Marine launches 1st Mate at Boot Düsseldorf

1^st Mate, an engine-integrated man overboard and proximity-based theft deterrent system is now available. Utilising a wearable device that integrates with Mercury SmartCraft systems, 1^st Mate adds another layer of boating safety.

A wearable wristband, fob or carabiner for the captain and up to seven passengers that sync with the 1^st Mate app are included in the 1^st Mate system. The boat’s captain or its passengers are notified if someone has fallen overboard. Notifications can also be sent to emergency contacts.  If the fob is not in range, the system disables or puts the engine in guardian mode.

1^st Mate can also serve as a deterrent to boat-and-engine theft. The Theft Deterrent System can lock the engine(s) to prevent unauthorised use. The vessel can also be unlocked via proximity of the captain’s wristband and/or the unlock function of the app. Mercury SmartCraft engines can also allow high-idle operation for service access to the vessel without unlocking it.

“1^st Mate is a welcome addition to the range of performance enhancing technologies which ensures boaters can get the most out of their engines whilst feeling safe and protected. We’re looking forward to introducing the system to our existing network of authorised Mercury dealers from March 2020,” comments Ben Allen, General Manager for the Marine Leisure Division, E.P. Barrus Ltd.