Satellite communications to keep you in touch anywhere on the globe and artificial intelligence to spot unidentified objects at sea, Southampton International Boat Show is the place to see some of the most exciting and innovative new marine technology.

“Southampton International Boat Show has always been the event for companies to launch new products and technology for the forthcoming boating season,” says British Marine’s CEO Lesley Robinson. “We are excited to see such a wealth of life-changing and life-saving innovations being revealed at this year’s show.”

Exhibiting for the first time at Southampton International Boat Show, European manufacturer BSB is launching its Optical System for Cognition and Ranging, known as OSCAR. OSCAR combines leading edge camera technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to scan the sea and, using AI gained from thousands of sea miles, can identify objects in the water. “OSCAR operates in the blind spot that radar and AIS misses, identifying otherwise invisible small craft, buoys and floating objects. It can also support search efforts in Man Overboard situations,” says Patrick Haebig of BSB Artificial Intelligence GmbH.

World leading marine technology brands – Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Navico, Garmin and Furuno to name but a few – will be showcasing their new ranges with stands packed with the latest integrated, stand-alone and wearable systems for every type of craft and user.

Keeping in touch whilst on the water is essential, whether it’s to stay safe or stay in touch. Icom will be showing the new IC-M94DE marine VHF handheld radio with integrated AIS receiver with DSC and GPS alongside their full innovative range. To stay connected and in touch with land whilst afloat, MailASail will be at the show with high performance, cost effective solutions, using WiFi, 4G/5G, cellular and satellite solutions including new sat phones from Blue Sky Network.

Many different ways of creating more sustainable boating will be highlighted throughout the show.  On show for the first time, and only its second viewing anywhere in the world, Timage will be demonstrating their new eco-friendly LaPasserella electric gangway and LaScala electric bathing ladder to visitors. Timage will also be launching a new range of intelligent yacht control systems – Sentry Remote Switch and Sentry MFD App – which enables one-touch and remote control of electrical systems on board, and, as another show launch exclusive, the Powering steering column digital switching system from Gussi Italia.  All these systems will be fully operational for visitors to see and try on a specially designed console on the Timage stand.

Staying safe on the water is paramount, and safety equipment supplier Ocean Safety will be located at a larger outdoor stand at this year’s show.  The Ocean Safety Advice Hub demonstrates its entire range of safety equipment including fully inflated liferafts, man overboard recovery systems, lifejackets, danbuoys and slings as well as Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Search and Rescue Transponders (SART)  The team from Ocean Safety will also be advising visitors on servicing schedules, winterisation and coding.  “We’re really looking forward to re-connecting with our customers face to face by welcoming them to our new stand,” comments Ocean Safety’s Managing Director Alistair Hackett.

Water is a key feature at Southampton International Boat Show, which hosts Europe’s largest man-made marina, and British designer and manufacturer PRP Optoelectronics will be revealing Aegina, the world’s first Class A UVC LED Water Purification Unit at the show. Aegina is designed to provide a lifetime solution creating pure drinking water from stored water or from an unknown water source.  Its low power means it can be run off a battery and is easy to maintain, and is earth kind, reducing the need for plastic water bottles.

Capturing the energy available from the wind and the sun is a natural step towards going off-grid and fully embracing sustainability for boaters. Marlec’s experienced team will be on hand to discuss renewable energy solutions at the show and will be displaying its range of world-renowned Rutland Windchargers alongside its glass and semi-flexible solar panels and a host of wind and solar accessories.

With all COVID-19 restrictions set to be lifted on 19 July, momentum and excitement is building for the show, and as everyone looks forward to being together again, now is the time to register for all the show news and be the first to know when tickets go on sale. Don’t miss out, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.

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