The National Marine Electronics Association has launched the NMEA Cloud Initiative. The project is intended to aggregate existing marine data for safety, conservation and innovation.
The NMEA assures participants that getting involved is voluntary and all shared data is anonymous. It will not be used for law enforcement or surveillance. The goal of the initiative is to 200 vessels actively contributing data by 2026.
Peripheral data from NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 systems that are used on vessels worldwide will have consumer options that can be made anonymous and shared securely to improve navigation safety and conservation efforts.
NMEA is collaborating with the Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce to leverage data and technology to prevent vessel strikes with North Atlantic Right Whales and other marine mammals.
Machine Learning and AI tools will transform collected data into actionable insights and enable faster development of safety and risk-reducing solutions. The initiative engages recreational boaters as well as commercial operators and manufacturers and researchers. This creates a broader perspective for shared knowledge in a collective effort to enhance safety on the water and to preserve the environment.
NMEA members with NMEA0183/2000/OneNet certified hardware can contribute by participating in the initiative’s working committees. Automated data will be collected seamlessly through vessel connectivity and boaters, industry professionals and “citizen scientists” are encouraged to join and play a role in marine conservation, ocean preservation and maritime safety.
