Garmin has launched its new Surround View Camera System, giving captains a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around their vessel.

Utilising six through-hull mounted cameras that act like multiple sets of eyes, Surround View provides a live 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vessel to help captains quickly view their vessel’s perimeter during low-speed manoeuvres, such as docking, from the helm.

Designed for a broad range of boats, the Surround View cameras have a low-profile for OEM factory-installed through-hull mounting that blends functionality with streamlined aesthetics. A compatible Garmin chartplotter or MFD, including the GPSMAP® 8400/8600, the GPSMAP 7x3/9x3/12x3 series or the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System, is required.

The Surround View Camera System provides a number of augmented reality features for increased situational awareness and collision avoidance including Visual Bumper, which provides a visual indicator at a user-configurable distance around the vessel that shows the captain when any non-water objects such as docks or piers breach the barrier, and Distance Markers which offers visual cues around the vessel to the captain to help  determine distance while navigating in close quarters, similar to automotive backup camera systems.

“Our innovative Surround View brings the comforts and conveniences our customers rely on in their vehicles to the helm of their yacht to help captains see as much of their environment as possible for easier maneuvering on the water,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Until now, no other marine camera technology has offered a true 360-degree bird’s-eye view, a vantage point that can help reduce the stress of docking and navigating marinas, narrow causeways and busy channels by giving captains a live look at their surroundings.”

Exhibitor: Garmin Europe Ltd