48 s SOUTHERNBOATING.COM s MARCH 2016B
oating at night presents far more
risks than daytime operation,
especially in waters crowded
with vessels and obstructions. While
going slow—or not going at all—is often
the most prudent option, when you must
make way a thermal-imaging camera can
be an invaluable safety tool.
Iris’ new-for-2016 NightPilot gyro
stabilized thermal-imaging camera delivers
a long list of high-end features for a retail
price under $5,000. That’s less than
comparable systems, while providing added
nighttime safety and navigational confi dence
within reach of a greater range of boat
owners.
Designed for fi xed installation and use
on any motoryacht, trawler, sailboat, or
sportfi shing boat, the NightPilot offers a
fast yet quiet motor system and compact
waterproof design. Its advanced thermal
core turns night into day on the boat’s
multi-function display screen.“We concluded that offshore boat
owners needed the peace of mind offered
by a thermal camera that was built to
mainly watch in moderate sea conditions,”
explained Tony Digweed, head of North
American sales for Iris Corporation. “We
also wanted to continue to dispel the myth
that thermal night vision cameras are out
of the reach of everyday—and night—
boating enthusiasts.”Thermal night vision cameras like
the NightPilot do what the human eye
cannot. Because they see heat, they are
not dependent on light and contrast to
create an image. Thermal cameras work
both day and night and provide benefi ts
beyond what you may think.
Thermal night vision cameras can see
the heat signatures of people and vessels
in total darkness as well as through smoke,
haze and light fog. And nothing can help
you fi nd someone in the water faster than
a thermal camera. A person fl oating in the
water often only has his head visible; still,
this can show up on the thermal video
display as a white ball against a black or
dark gray background.
Once sighted, it is important for rescuers
to keep theman overboard in sight. A
thermal imager allows vessel crewmembers
to keep a person in the water in sight while
maneuvering their vessel to pick the victim
up. This improved situational awarenessWHAT’S NEW IN ELECTRONICS
Iris thermal-imaging camera
The NightPilot is powered by a fast, silent
motor and retails for under $5,000.Powerful Night Vision
JLAMBERT YACHT PHOTOGRAPHYJLAMBERT YACHT PHOTOGRAPHY