Safe and secure with 1st Mate

1st Mate works with your mobile device using an easy to install app.

Written by

Bernie Schultz

Florida

On the Bassmaster Elite Series, we begin each day of competition with what’s referred to as “boat check” – a process whereby our livewell, running lights and emergency stop switch are demonstrated to be fully functional. Tournament officials also make sure our life jackets meet U.S. Coast Guard standards and are securely fastened.

These are all good things.

Anytime we’re on the water, safety must be priority one, especially when it concerns the welfare of others.

Fortunately, most Bassmasters are safe, conscientious boaters. You know the “rules of the road,” and that’s great. But are you aware of the latest technology that can make safety more convenient on the water?

1st Mate

Let me tell you about the new 1st Mate Marine Safety & Security System.

1st Mate is a wireless alternative to a traditional mechanical emergency stop switch and lanyard that provides additional safety features to aid in an overboard situation. Here’s how it works.

1st Mate wirelessly connects a small engine hub to your mobile device, mobile devices of other connected passengers and up to seven wearable remote fobs that fit onto wristbands or clips that attach to clothing or life jackets. Mobile access is provided by the 1st Mate app.

<figcaption>Besides wristbands, remote fobs can be attached to life jackets and apparel.</figcaption>” class=”wp-image-566728″><figcaption>Besides wristbands, remote fobs can be attached to life jackets and apparel.</figcaption></figure>
<p>If you’re driving and are ejected from the boat, 1st Mate will immediately stop the engine. Then, using the man-overboard (MOB) feature of the mobile app, it will send an alert to other connected passengers along with a waypoint marking where the overboard event occurred. The app can then instruct a connected passenger on how to restart the engine and guide that person to where you went overboard.</p>
<div class=

Should a connected passenger go overboard, 1st Mate will immediately alert you, then direct you to their location.

For additional peace of mind, you can also configure the app to send a distress message to emergency contacts on shore in the event you or a passenger goes overboard. It’s an especially nice feature for anyone who fishes alone.

Safety first, security second

1st Mate also provides security features for your boat. Using the app, you can configure the 1st Mate theft-deterrent system (TDS) to lock the engines or limit access. When you’re ready to get back behind the wheel, the engine can easily be unlocked via your fob or by using the 1st Mate mobile app.

There are two available versions of 1st Mate. The version for Mercury SmartCraft-capable engines (40 horsepower and higher, 2004 and newer Mercury engines) includes some advanced TDS functions. If you’re not a Mercury owner or have an older Mercury engine, the 1st Mate for All Leading Engine Brands system works on most popular outboards and provides basic TDS, overboard alerts, engine cutoff functionality and distress-messaging capabilities.

More details

The 1st Mate system can be installed and configured by most DIY boaters. There are even installation videos available to help you through the process. Or, if you’d rather a professional do the job, you can have it installed by a Mercury Authorized Dealer.

Lots of things can happen out on the water, most of which are good and positive. Unfortunately, some are not. Therefore, we owe it to ourselves, the ones we love and the ones who depend upon us to put safety first.

To learn more about the 1st Mate Marine Safety & Security System, visit 1stmate.com.