Boat Safety System

Abstract

A safety system for a boat, watercraft or other vehicle includes a kill switch connected to the motor for preventing the motor from running under dangerous circumstances. The system may include proximity sensors operatively connected to the kill switch, so that the motor only runs when the proximity sensor detects a person properly positioned at the captain's console. Other sensors may form an array to communicate with the kill switch, to automate certain features and systems, or to otherwise provide alarms upon detection of dangerous situations, including a carbon monoxide detection sensor system, gate sensors, anchor-down sensors, ladder sensors, ambient light sensors, optical rain sensors for operating an automated windshield wiper safety system, an array of cameras strategically positioned around the periphery of the watercraft for monitoring purposes, and an automated anchor/navigation light system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An automated lighting system for a watercraft, comprising:
 a programmable electronic controller operatively connected to a plurality of lights on the watercraft;   at least one light sensor positioned to detect ambient light levels;   wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to receive data from the at least one light sensor and automatically operate the plurality of lights based on the detected ambient light levels;   wherein the plurality of lights includes navigation lights, docking lights, interior lights, and instrument panel lights.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable electronic controller automatically switches on the navigation lights when the ambient light levels fall below a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to dim or adjust the brightness of the interior lights and instrument panel lights based on the detected ambient light levels. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is further operatively connected to a speed sensor or RPM sensor, and is configured to automatically deactivate the docking lights when the watercraft exceeds a predetermined speed. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an audio or visual alarm operatively connected to the programmable electronic controller, wherein the alarm is activated if the navigation lights are not on while ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is operatively connected to a user interface, touch screen, or mobile device, allowing a user to adjust settings of the lighting system, including brightness levels and activation thresholds. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable electronic controller prevents the watercraft's motor from starting or the propeller from engaging if the navigation lights are off and ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is further operatively connected to a GPS module, and is configured to adjust lighting operation based on vessel speed or geographic location. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the navigation lights are automatically transitioned between anchor light mode and underway mode based on ambient light level and motor RPM. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to adjust helm and interior light levels based on both ambient light levels and whether the watercraft is underway or stationary. 
     
     
         11 . An anchor-down alarm system for a watercraft, comprising:
 an anchor deployment sensor configured to detect whether an anchor is in a deployed position or a stowed position;   a programmable electronic controller operatively connected to the anchor deployment sensor; and   an alarm operatively connected to the electronic controller;   wherein the electronic controller is configured to trigger the alarm when the anchor deployment sensor detects that the anchor is in the deployed position and a motor of the watercraft is started or engaged into gear.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic controller is further configured to prevent the watercraft from shifting into forward or reverse gear when the anchor is in the deployed position. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the alarm comprises at least one of: an audible alarm, a visual indicator on a display screen, or a notification sent to a mobile device. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the anchor deployment sensor comprises a proximity sensor operatively positioned to detect the presence or absence of a portion of the anchor within a retracted anchor housing. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the anchor deployment sensor comprises a retro-reflective sensor, a through-beam sensor, or an inductive proximity sensor. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic controller is further configured to receive input from a motor RPM sensor, and is programmed to determine whether the motor is running based on RPM values. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic controller is further operatively connected to a touch screen or user interface, and the alarm is displayed visually on the screen. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to allow user customization of the alarm conditions, including the type of alert, the motor RPM threshold, and the delay before alarm activation. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the alarm system is further configured to send a remote notification to a mobile device if the anchor is detected in the deployed position while the vessel is underway. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the anchor deployment sensor and the electronic controller are components of a windlass anchor system. 
     
     
         21 . A safety system for a watercraft, comprising:
 a programmable electronic controller;   at least one light sensor operatively connected to the programmable electronic controller for detecting ambient light levels;   a plurality of vessel lights operatively connected to the programmable electronic controller, including navigation lights, anchor light, and docking lights;   an optical rain sensor operatively connected to the programmable electronic controller; and   at least one windshield wiper operatively connected to the programmable electronic controller;   wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to automatically activate the windshield wiper, navigation lights and anchor light based on rain conditions detected by the optical rain sensor.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to automatically activate the navigation lights when the ambient light level falls below a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to deactivate the docking lights when a speed sensor detects that the vessel speed exceeds a predetermined value. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to adjust the brightness of the interior lights and instrument panel lights based on ambient light conditions. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is further operatively connected to a speed sensor, GPS module, or RPM sensor and is configured to adjust lighting based on vessel motion and operating conditions. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the optical rain sensor comprises an infrared emitter and receiver pair configured to detect the presence of moisture on a windshield. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to vary the speed of the windshield wiper based on the intensity of detected rain. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising a user interface or touchscreen operatively connected to the programmable electronic controller, allowing a user to adjust lighting preferences and wiper settings. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is configured to generate an alert if the navigation lights are off during low-light conditions or if the windshield wiper fails to respond to detected rain. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the programmable electronic controller is further configured to prevent the propeller from engaging unless the navigation lights are illuminated during low-light conditions.