Can anyone confirm the Watchmate gives you CPA (closest point of
approach) but does not give a bearing and range for CPA?
In other words, you don't know if there will be a crossing situation
in front or behind or to one side? So there is no quick way to figure
out an evading course without some mental gymnastics?
Also, I understand the AIS picks up dynamic and programmed info.
Therefore if a tech on the big guy forgets to change the setting from
underway to moored, the his GPS will output a course and speed (maybe up
to 3 kts) to the ships AIS xmitter and the Watchmate (and all AISes for
that matter) will still be generating CPAs etc.
Strikes me that the Watchmate may be a good lookout (do too low power
usage) for passagemakers, but you still need a solid backup of sorts.
Gordon
Comments before I rush out and buy one? ;)