How does it work?
A high-tech sensor continuously monitors the helm area and detects the driver’s presence. The system also receives live engine data. Using this data and your configured settings, it will either stop the engine immediately or start a countdown as soon as the driver is no longer detected.
All settings are accessible directly from the MFD, which also displays the detection zone—making setup and use intuitive.
Patent pending.
The user can create multiple scenarios to match their boating needs. For example:
– Idle (low RPM): No engine cut-off—useful for mooring and slow manoeuvring.
– Low speed (medium-low RPM): A short delay (a few seconds) before cut-off—ideal for a quick driver handover at low speed.
– Higher speed: A very short delay (around 1 second or less) for maximum safety.
The detection zone is user-configurable to suit any deck or helm layout, while ensuring passengers are not detected or treated as the driver.
MFD screens with SMART HELM: First image, the driver’s legs are detected within the defined driving area (red dashed lines). In the second image, no driver is detected and a 15-second countdown is triggered.
Background
What led to the creation of SMART HELM?
Boat engine cut-off systems are required by law in the US and strongly recommended in many other countries. Yet tragic—and sometimes fatal—accidents still happen around the world when these systems are not used.
Over the past 10–20 years, sensor technology has advanced dramatically. Cars, for example, can now detect objects all around them. Meanwhile, the traditional kill cord lanyard—introduced in the 1960s—has remained largely unchanged and is still fitted to most boats. It’s highly reliable, but because it must be attached to the driver, it’s often left unused—creating a serious safety risk for the driver and other water users.
Wireless fob systems, developed over the last 15 years, improved freedom of movement, but they still require the driver to wear and hand over a fob for driver change. They will not protect you if you become unconscious at the helm, and their behaviour is still quite binary—for example, cutting the engine off when you step onto a pontoon. They can also fail to prevent incidents if someone accidentally knocks the throttle while you’re nearby.
Recent technology can deliver a far better experience—making safety easier to use, not easier to ignore. That’s why we created SMART HELM.
STEP TO THE HELM, SMART HELM DOES THE REST.
Compatibility
The system is designed to fit virtually any boat with a helm. It connects to the NMEA network to read live engine data and communicate with your MFD.
For best performance, we recommend mounting the sensor around knee height so it can detect the driver’s legs whether seated or standing. The detection zone can be adjusted in multiple directions to suit most helm layouts—maximising freedom of movement while avoiding passenger detection.
We’re aiming to be compatible with the main MFD manufacturers, including Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, Furuno, Lowrance, and Humminbird.
The system also lets you create multiple scenarios for when the engine cut-off should activate:
Idle / docking: Set a threshold that matches your engine’s idle speed and disable cut-off at idle—ideal for mooring, fishing, or manoeuvring without unwanted shutdowns. Even if you fall overboard, the boat is at idle and won’t go anywhere.
Low-speed handover (e.g., ~5 knots): Add a short delay (around 2–3 seconds) to allow an easy driver change at low speed. Simply step out and the new driver steps in—no lanyard or fob to manage.
Higher speeds: Instant (or near-instant) cut-off for maximum safety if you fall overboard or become unconscious on the floor.
SMART HELM has you covered—making boating safer and easier.
Contact us
SMART HELM product is still in development. Contact us if you are interested in the product and want to be kept updated. You can also get in touch if you would like to be part of the development aventure.