Ferretti Adds WATCHIT SENSE 360 Radar Collision Warnings

A new sensor layer for yacht hazard awareness

Ferretti Group is taking a further step towards integrated marine safety systems through its agreement to adopt WATCHIT SENSE 360, a collision-awareness platform developed by Israeli company Aqua Marina Tech. The arrangement was first announced by Ferretti on 23 September 2026 and has since been examined in greater detail by marine technology publications.

The system uses multiple sources of vessel and environment information to identify potential hazards around a cruising yacht. It builds on earlier WATCHIT tools that compared electronic charts with position and course data, followed by AIS integration to help interpret other vessels broadcasting their identification and movement.

The latest generation adds radar information, addressing circumstances in which surrounding objects are not visible through AIS alone. This matters to captains operating larger motor yachts through traffic, coastal passages or busy marina approaches, where small craft and unmarked obstacles may be difficult to track.

Simrad HALO radar and multifunction displays

WATCHIT SENSE 360 is designed to work with Simrad Marine Electronics displays and HALO radar already installed aboard compatible yachts. Using familiar helm hardware can make adoption more practical for a boatbuilder, although final compatibility remains dependent on the specific equipment and software supplied.

Radar can reveal vessels without operational AIS transponders, buoys and some floating objects, but performance is influenced by antenna placement, sea clutter, range and the characteristics of the target. It should not be interpreted as an infallible system capable of identifying every object at every moment.

The software monitors incoming information and aims to generate audible and visual warnings when its risk assessment identifies a genuine concern. Ferretti and WATCHIT say the warning logic is intended to reduce unnecessary alarms, helping the crew remain focused on important hazards rather than a continuous stream of alerts.

Automation cannot replace an effective lookout

Modern bridge teams already use combinations of radar, AIS, chartplotters, visual observation and communication to build a picture of their surroundings. The value of a further processing layer is the potential to connect those information sources and highlight changing risk quickly enough for the watchkeeper to respond.

Automatic classification and selective alerting still have limits, especially in adverse visibility, high traffic or complicated shore-side environments. A skipper should understand how the system handles missing sensor data and which functions remain available when a connected radar or display is temporarily unavailable.

An effective installation must therefore be accompanied by familiarisation and clear bridge procedures. Navigation responsibility continues to rest with the person in command, including the obligations to maintain a proper lookout and navigate at a safe speed.

A partnership aimed at real yacht installations

Ferretti Group global chief executive Stassi Anastassov has framed the partnership as an example of using specialist suppliers to bring new technology aboard more quickly. WATCHIT co-founder and chief executive Tal Duvdevany emphasises integration with Simrad equipment and the addition of radar in its latest generation.

The original announcement does not establish that every existing Ferretti yacht has already received WATCHIT SENSE 360, or that the feature can be retrofitted without additional equipment. Buyers should confirm the model, configuration and installation programme for the yacht being considered.

For superyacht owners and managers, the development adds another subject to technical reviews of new builds and helm upgrades. The eventual test will be whether it improves timely decisions without introducing excessive complexity or a false sense of security during real operations.