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Small Vessel Detection: You can’t make your boat any bigger, but you can make it more visible!



Operating small vessels is a well-known and rewarding experience, but it also comes with safety challenges, particularly when it comes to visibility. A recent NTSB investigation highlighted this issue in a collision between a small fiberglass boat and a US Coast Guard cutter, where neither vessel detected the other with enough notice to alter course. This incident underscores the need for effective detection methods for small boats. The 2023 NTSB Safer Seas Digest made it clear that small vessel detection was a leading safety risk. 


Small vessels often sit low on the water, making them difficult to pick up on radar especially in foggy or rainy conditions. Boats made from materials like wood or fiberglass can be particularly hard to detect. This is where radar reflectors come into play. These devices enhance radar signals, increasing a small vessel’s visibility to nearby boats. For best use, it’s important to mount the reflector as high as possible.

In addition to radar reflectors, equipping vessels with Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) can enhance safety significantly. AIS transponders share a vessel’s GPS position on dedicated VHF channels, allowing other ships and harbors to track movements. Class B transponders, designed for smaller vessels, offer a range of about 8-10 miles and are generally more affordable than their Class A counterparts.


Another emerging technology is thermal imaging. Companies like FLIR Systems have developed cameras that allow vessels to navigate in darkness, fog, and challenging weather. These cameras provide help for night navigation, and assist to detect obstacles that may be invisible to the naked eye. FLIR’s Fixed Mount Thermal Cameras also offer audio and visual alerts to further improve awareness.


By combining radar reflectors, AIS, and thermal imaging technologies, small vessel operators can significantly reduce collision risks and enhance overall safety on the water. As the boating season slows down during fall storm season, it’s a good time to reflect on safety measures that should be prioritized for the next year. Now is the time to research gear that will help make next season safer and more successful.


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