SEA.AI and The Carlisle & Finch Co. have integrated AI-powered machine vision with automated searchlight control, allowing detected targets to be tracked without manual joystick operation. For shipowners and managers, the system connects detection with a physical response during night operations, security patrols and search-and-rescue missions.
SEA.AI and The Carlisle & Finch Co. have integrated SEA.AI’s Sentry machine vision system with Carlisle & Finch’s SmartVIEW Gateway, allowing a searchlight to automatically turn towards and follow targets detected by AI.
The system can track people in the water, unlit vessels and other objects identified by SEA.AI’s thermal and low-light cameras. Once an operator selects a target, SmartVIEW directs the connected searchlight towards its bearing and maintains the beam as the target moves.
The integration addresses a practical gap between digital detection and what happens on deck. Detecting a target on a screen still requires crew to locate it visually and manually direct a searchlight, particularly difficult at night or in poor visibility.
“It has always been hard for our customers to find an object seen on a screen with a searchlight beam – their focus torn between trying to match what’s on the display with what they see out the windows,” said Garth Finch, Sr. Vice President/Owner, The Carlisle & Finch Co.
“This integration removes that challenge. Once SEA.AI has a target, SmartVIEW keeps the light on it – across our entire product range, from a small-boat LED searchlight to a ship’s xenon searchlight – so the operator can focus on the rest of the job.”
For ship operators, the operational impact is most relevant during incidents where crews need to act on several tasks at once. During a person-overboard search, Sentry can identify a possible casualty while the searchlight remains trained on the target, allowing the crew to concentrate on manoeuvring, communications and rescue preparations.
The system can also support security operations involving low-profile craft that may be difficult to detect and track visually.
“Detection only matters if it leads to action,” said Marcus Warrelmann, CEO, SEA.AI. “Whether the crew is watching for a security threat, tracking another vessel, or searching for someone in the water, Sentry can spot a target before it becomes visible to the naked eye.”
SEA.AI and Carlisle & Finch will demonstrate the integrated system at the 2026 NMEA Conference & Expo in Texas from September 29 to October 1.
