PilotMate^®

Ship handlers need complete situational awareness to properly maneuver vessels. With ARINC PilotMate^®, handlers have a precision tool that integrates docking, navigation, and vessel tracking.

Created specially for harbor pilots, docking masters, and ships' captains, PilotMate provides an easy-to-read, graphical, highly accurate display of position, heading, and speed information. When integrated with shore-based processing, communications, and display equipment, PilotMate also supports shore-based vessel tracking.

PilotMate uses an advanced technique based on dual Global Positioning System (GPS) antennas to accurately establish ship heading to within one-half of a degree, at any time. Position, based on U.S. Coast Guard Differential GPS (DGPS), is accurate to within three meters.

The system's modular design allows for several optional configurations, from integrated, permanent installations to portable, self-contained, pilot carry-on units. In the portable configuration, the dual antennas can be moved from vessel to vessel and installed and calibrated in minutes.

By putting all navigation and vessel tracking information in one portable package, PilotMate represents a quantum leap forward in piloting technology. In addition, the PilotMate user interface uses touch screens, so there's no fumbling with keyboards. The system can be deployed and ready for use in less than five minutes.

PilotMate offers optional data link capability, enabling the display of other vessel traffic—whether or not they are also equipped with PilotMate. Tracking of nonequipped vessels requires the integration of a PilotMate shore-side monitor station with a vessel radar traffic system—all of which ARINC can help you specify and implement.

PilotMate can also be integrated with a real-time weather and tide information system, such as the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS^®)—a program of the National Ocean Service that supports safe and cost-efficient navigation by providing ship masters and pilots with accurate, real-time weather information. If a U.S. Coast Guard DGPS MSK beacon signal is not available, the PilotMate data link can be used to provide DGPS corrections.

For more information, e-mail PMate@arinc.com.