Patent Publication Number: US-2022234702-A1

Title: Systems and methods for controlling a watercraft

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Applicant hereby claims the priority benefits under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119, basing said claim of priority on related U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/141,012 filed Jan. 25, 2021, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling a watercraft and, more particularly to systems and methods for controlling operations of a watercraft based on a user profile associated with a wireless communication device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling a watercraft is disclosed. The system includes a wireless communication device corresponding to a passenger of the watercraft. A controller is in communication with the wireless communication device and the watercraft. The controller is configured to receive range information corresponding to a target distance between the watercraft and the wireless communication device. The controller is further configured to receive displacement data corresponding to an actual distance between the watercraft and the wireless communication device. The controller is further configured to compare the displacement data to the range information. The controller is further configured to determine an overboard condition based on the comparison of the displacement data to the range information. The controller is further configured to communicate an instruction to control the watercraft based on the overboard condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling a watercraft includes a database storing a user profile associated with a passenger of the watercraft. The system includes a wireless communication device associated with the passenger. The wireless communication device is configured to communicate identification information of the passenger. At least one controller is in communication with the database, the watercraft, and the wireless communication device. The at least one controller is configured to receive the identification information. The at least one controller is further configured to compare the identification information to the user profile. The at least one controller is further configured to determine, based on the comparison of the identification information to the user profile, an authorization condition. The at least one controller is further configured to communicate an instruction to control the watercraft based on the authorization condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a watercraft includes, at one or more controllers, receiving identification information communicated from a wireless communication device associated with a passenger of the watercraft. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, accessing a database storing a user profile associated with the passenger of the watercraft. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, comparing the identification information to the user profile. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, determining, based on the comparison of the identification information to the user profile, an authorization condition. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, communicating an instruction to control the watercraft based on the authorization condition. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a passenger on a watercraft wearing a wireless communication device incorporated with the watercraft control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view an overboard condition detected by the watercraft control system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a watercraft incorporating a plurality of communication beacons to detect the wireless communication device of the watercraft control system; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a watercraft control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a method of controlling the watercraft of  FIG. 1  according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a mobile device running a software application of the watercraft control system and displaying a first display of the software application; and 
         FIG. 7  a front perspective view of a mobile device running a software application of the watercraft control system and displaying a second display of the software application. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a watercraft control system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a control apparatus, or system  10 , that selectively controls a watercraft  12 , such as a boat, a yacht, personal watercraft (PWC), or other marine vessel. The device may perform a locating function and an authentication function. Each of these functions may be employed in operation with a wireless communication device  14 , which may be incorporated into a wearable device assigned to a user, or may be incorporated into a gadget assigned to the user. The locating function may be employed to detect when the user is no longer onboard the watercraft  12 . For example, when the wireless communication device  14  is no longer in communication with one or more processors associated with the watercraft  12 , the system  10  may detect one or more conditions associated with the user. For example, if the user, or passenger  16 , of the watercraft  12  becomes separated from the watercraft  12 , the separation may be detected via severed communication of the wireless communication device  14  with the one or more processors of the watercraft  12 . In this scenario, the system  10  may determine that an overboard condition has occurred. Various functions of the watercraft  12  may be employed by the system  10  in reaction to the determination of the condition. For example, the watercraft  12  may be configured to cut the engine when the wireless communication device  14  is no longer detected by the one or more processors of the watercraft  12 . In this way, the locating function may be employed to improve the safety of operating the watercraft  12 . 
     According to the authentication function, the system  10  may provide for a plurality of user profiles that have selective access to various operations of the watercraft  12 . For example, a wireless communication device  14  assigned to a first passenger of a marine vessel may be associated with a user profile that allows access to starting an engine of the watercraft  12 , whereas a mobile wireless communication device  14  associated with a second passenger of the watercraft  12  may have an associated user profile that is blocked from starting the engine of the watercraft  12 . The system  10  may provide, for example, a server that stores the first and second user profiles, as well as information related to the corresponding wireless communication devices  14  assigned to the first passenger and the second passenger. In this way, the authentication function may provide for a keyless startup operation of watercraft  12 . In some implementations, the wireless communication device  14  is incorporated into a key fob, a lanyard, a wearable device (such as of article of clothing), a backpack, a smart watch, etc. The wireless communication device  14  therefore operates as a security device for authenticating the corresponding user. 
     The system  10  may also provide for a mobile application that has access to the server and may be employed with a mobile device to communicate with the wireless communication device  14  and/or the one or more processors of the watercraft  12 . The mobile application may allow for boat registration and insurance information, safety data related to individual sessions of operating the watercraft  12 , operational parameters associated with one or more watercrafts, credential/login information, and other parameters to be recorded as discussed further herein. According to some particular aspects of the present disclosure, the system  10  may allow for a remote starting feature of the watercraft  12 , accessible via the software application, based on the user profile. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , a system  10  for controlling a watercraft  12  includes a wireless communication device  14  corresponding to a passenger  16  of the watercraft  12 . A controller  18  is in communication with the wireless communication device  14  and the watercraft  12 . The controller  18  is configured to receive range information corresponding to a target distance  20  between the watercraft  12  and the wireless communication device  14 . The controller  18  is further configured to receive displacement data corresponding to an actual distance  22  between the watercraft  12  and the wireless communication device  14 . The controller  18  is further configured to compare the displacement data to the range information. The controller  18  is further configured to determine an overboard condition based on the comparison of the displacement data to the range information. The controller  18  is further configured to communicate an instruction to control the watercraft  12  based on the overboard condition. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIG. 1 , the wireless communication device  14  may be incorporated with a wearable band for the wrist of the passenger  16 . Additionally, or alternatively, the wireless communication device  14  may be incorporated into another wearable device of the passenger  16 , such as a life vest  24 , a backpack (not shown), sunglasses  26 , shorts  28 , and the like. In general, the wireless communication device  14  is incorporated into a wearable to allow tracking of the passenger  16 . According to some configurations, the wireless communication device  14  may be a lanyard or key fab for attachment to an appendage (e.g., wrist, finger) of the passenger  16 . The wireless communication device  14  may be water-resistant and/or water-proof, or may be incorporated with a waterproof article. Although illustrated as a personal watercraft  12 , it is generally contemplated that the watercraft  12  may be a multi-passenger boat, such as a yacht, or other mid- to large-size vessel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an overboard condition is generally illustrated. In particular, it is generally illustrated that the actual distance  22  exceeds the target distance  20 , such that the controller  18  may determine that the overboard condition has occurred. The actual distance  22  may not be precisely determined by the controller  18 , however, it may be determined that the actual distance  22  is unknown. For example, if the controller  18  is operable with a received strength signal indicator (RSSI) module that determines a distance the wireless communication is from the RSSI module, then the absence of a signal may indicate that the actual distance  22  has exceeded the target distance  20 . Stated differently, after a threshold distance is reached, the wireless communication device  14  may no longer have communication with the RSSI module. 
     The controller  18  may communicate with the RSSI module to determine that no signal is present and therefore determine the presence of the overboard condition. Although the overboard condition may correspond to the wireless communication device  14  being outside of the target distance  20 , it is generally contemplated that, because the wireless communication device  14  may be a wearable communication device according to some embodiments, the overboard condition may also correspond to the passenger  16  being overboard the watercraft  12 . Once the overboard condition has been determined, the watercraft  12  may be controlled remotely or based on a preconfigured steering and driving technique. Various modes of operation may be employed when the overboard condition occurs, as further discussed in reference to  FIGS. 4-7 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a watercraft  12  incorporating a plurality of communication beacons  30  is provided. In the exemplary embodiment, a communication beacon  30  is placed along each side of the watercraft  12 . In particular, a beacon  30  may be placed along each of the port  32 , starboard  34 , bow  36 , and stern sides  38 . By providing a plurality of communication beacons  30 , such as Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) beacons, not only may the wireless communication device  14  be determined to be outside of the target range  20 , but a more precise location may be determined when the wireless communication device  14  is inside the target range  20 . For example, by utilizing a plurality of beacons  30  implementing RSSI, the controller  18  may be operable to determine the position of the wireless communication device  14  based on triangulation of multiple signals associated with the plurality of beacons  30 . 
     For example, if the wireless communication device  14  is in an area bounded by more than one beacon range (e.g. range  20 ), a more precise location of the wireless communication may be determined. Alternatively, by providing a beacon  30  along a specific side of the watercraft  12 , the relative location (e.g., which side) of the overboard passenger may be determined. In the illustrated example, the passenger  16  is disposed along the starboard side  34  of the watercraft  12 , as may be determined by the controller  18  based on the particular beacon  30  that is receiving the signal strength of the wireless communication device  14 . In this way, the watercraft  12  may be controlled to stop toward a particular direction (e.g., toward starboard side  34 ) when the overboard condition is determined, for example, by directing a rudder associated with the watercraft  12  to steer the watercraft  12  towards the starboard side  34  when the engine is deactivated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the system  10  may include a server  40  configured to store and provide data related to various functions of the watercraft control system  10 , such as the authentication function and the location detection function. The server  40  may include one or more computers that may be virtual machines. The server  40  may also include a first communication interface  42  configured to communicate with the wireless communication device  14  and the watercraft  12  via a first network  44 . According to some aspects, the first network  44  may include wired and/or wireless network connections, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy, ZigBee, near field communications, a cellular data network, global positioning systems, and the like. In general, the server  40  may be operable to process data requests from the mobile communication device and/or the watercraft  12 , as illustrated. As a non-limiting example, the server  40  may communicate with the communication device via the first network  44  to access a user profile associated with the communication device and a particular passenger  16 . 
     The server  40  may be configured to communicate an instruction to the watercraft  12 , via the first network  44 , based on processing an instruction from the wireless communication device  14 . For example, the server  40  may receive a request to operate the watercraft  12  from a wireless communication device  14  associated with the passenger  16 . The server  40  may be configured to process and record the request and, if validated, communicate an instruction to the controller  18  associated with watercraft  12  to control a function of the watercraft  12 . Accordingly, the server  40  may include a first controller  46 , which may operate as controller  18 , having a first processor  48  and a first memory  50  in communication with a database  52  that stores user profile information (e.g., the user profiles) and other information corresponding to the watercraft  12  and/or the passengers  16 . In this way, the server  40  is generally configured to store data related to the operating functions of the system  10 . 
     The first memory  50  may include instructions that, when executed by the first processor  48 , are operable to calculate and/or determine various data related to the functions of the system  10 . For example, the database  52  may store a plurality of user profiles associated with the plurality of passengers  16 . When the first controller  46  receives an instruction to determine whether a particular user profile has operator rights to control the watercraft  12 , the first controller  46  may access the database  52  to compare the particular user profile to the plurality of user profiles. In response to the comparison, the first controller  46  may communicate with a controller associated with the watercraft  12 . 
     An artificial intelligence engine  54  may further be provided with the server  40  for interacting with the database  52  and the memory  50  when performing various techniques, such as generating various machine learning models  56 . The models  56  may be trained to predict, for example, the overboard condition based on iterative training of particular signal strengths associated with the wireless communication device  14  being located near the watercraft  12 . For example, the data may include cohort data of other, or previous events associated with false flags of an overboard condition. Further, the data can include can include previous event data associated with other events that incorrectly flagged an overboard condition, such as an impact of waves striking the watercraft  12 , unexpected accelerations in the position of the wireless communication device  14  relative to the watercraft  12 , and the like. The models  56  may be trained on this data in order associate certain data points with the overboard condition. 
     The one or more machine learning models  56  may include a single level of linear or nonlinear operations and/or the machine learning models  56  may be trained via a deep network. For example, the neural network may be a machine learning model  56  having multiple levels of nonlinear operations. Deep networks may include neural networks, including generative adversarial networks, convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks with one or more hidden layers, and fully connected neural networks. The models  56  may be trained to determine a refined target distance  20  for the wireless communication device  14  that prevents false flags from occurring. Data gathered prior to and during deployment may be implemented via the artificial intelligence engine  54  to further train the models  56  to detect the overboard condition. The models  56  may also be trained to determine an optimal return distance to the overboard passenger  16  that maximizes proximity to the overboard passenger  16  without contacting the overboard passenger  16 . 
     The server  40  may further include a training engine  58  capable of training the models  56  based on initial data, as well as feedback data from the watercraft  12  and the wireless communication device  14 . The training engine  58  may include a rackmount server, a personal computer, a smart phone, an Internet of Things (IOT) device, or any other computing device. The models  56  may be trained to match patterns of data provided via an RSSI module on board the watercraft  12 , or other distance detection modules for calculating a distance the wireless communication device  14  is from the watercraft  12 . The one or more machine learning models  56  may be trained to receive a first set of parameters as an input in map or otherwise associate or algorithmically associate the first set of parameters with a second set of parameters associated with an adverse event, such as an overboard condition, an authorized operator not onboard condition, etc. The models  56  may be trained via repeated tests that incorporate proximity sensors of the watercraft  12  (e.g., capacitive, inductive, RADAR, and/or LIDAR sensors) to identify contact with an object in the water, as well as RSSI data indicating proximity to the object. 
     The first network  44  may be in communication with the watercraft  12 , as previously described, as well as a plurality of mobile devices  60 . For example, the plurality of mobile devices  60  may include a first mobile device  60   a  and second mobile device  60   b . The mobile device  60  may be a communication device such as a smart phone or other interactive computing device, such as a tablet, a laptop, or an onboard controller of the watercraft  12 . Each mobile device  60  may include an interface  62   a ,  62   b  for interacting with the mobile application of the present disclosure. In this way, the interface  62   a ,  62   b  may allow for user input to the mobile devices  60  to enter the user profile information stored in the server  40 . The interface  62   a ,  62   b  may also allow for operating functions of the watercraft  12 , such as for control over the watercraft  12 , control of authorized user access, and various features employed to limit access to functions associated with the system  10 . Each of the mobile devices  60  may be associated with an individual wireless communication device  14 , such as a first wearable device  64   a  and a second wearable device  64   b . In particular, the first wearable device  64   a  may be synced with the first mobile device  60   a , and the second wearable device  64   b  may be synced with the second mobile device  60   b.    
     Each mobile device  60  and wearable device  64  may be associated with a particular passenger  16  of the watercraft  12 , with a first passenger associated with the first mobile device  60   a  and the first wearable device  64   a  and a second passenger associated with the second mobile device  60   b  and the second wearable device  64   b . Each of the mobile devices  60  and the wearable devices  64  may be in communication with a second network  66 . The second network  66  may be configured similar to or different than the first network  44  in terms of protocol. However, according to some non-limiting examples, the second network  66  may be operable to communicate with a plurality of mobile devices  60  and a plurality of wireless communication devices  14  associated with passengers  16  of the watercraft  12  or potential passengers  16  of watercraft  12 . The second network  66  may comprise any number of wireless or wired communication protocols previously described in reference to the first network  44 , but in particular examples disclosed herein, the second network  66  may be a Bluetooth network. 
     In the exemplary Bluetooth network example, the first wearable device  64   a  may be tethered with the first mobile device  60   a  and the second wearable device  64   b  may be tethered with the second mobile device  60   b . In addition, the wearable devices  64  may be tethered with a Bluetooth communication device associated with the watercraft  12 , such that a distance from the wearable devices  64  to the watercraft  12  may be determined by the controller  18  (e.g., second controller  70 ) associated with the watercraft  12  and/or associated with the mobile devices  60 . 
     Referring now more particularly to the watercraft  12  of  FIG. 3 , a second communication interface  68  may be provided in the watercraft  12  to provide access to the first network  44  and the second network  66 . Via the communication interface  68 , a second controller  70  corresponding to the watercraft  12  may be in communication with the server  40 , the mobile devices  60 , and the wireless communication devices  14 . The second communication interface  68  may be similar to or different than the first communication interface  42  in terms of protocol. For example, the second communication interface  68  may include wired and/or wireless network connections, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, near field communications, a cellular network, a global position system, and the like. The second communication interface  68  may further include an RSSI module  72 . The RSSI module  72  may alternatively be provided separately from the communication interface  68  as illustrated. The RSSI module  72  may be configured to detect the strength of the signal from the wireless communication device  14 . The second controller  70 , similar to the first controller  46 , may also include a second processor  74  and a second memory  76 . The second memory  76  may store instructions that, when executed by the second processor  74 , cause the second controller  70  to control various functions of the watercraft  12 . 
     For example, the second controller  70  may be in communication with an ignition system  78  and be operable to control the ignition system  78 . The second controller  70  may also be in communication with an anchor system  80  and operable to control the anchor system  80 . The second controller  70  may also be in communication with an engine control system  82  and a steering control module  84  associated with the watercraft  12 . Based on instructions received from at least one of the first mobile device  60   a , the second mobile device  60   b , the first and second wearable devices  64   a ,  64   b , and the server  40 , the second controller  70  may be operable to control at least one of the ignition system  78 , the anchor system  80 , the steering control module  84 , and the engine control system  82 . 
     The second controller  70  may also be in communication with a proximity sensor  86  and a speed sensor  88  associated with the watercraft  12 . Other systems not illustrated, such as a human-machine interface (HMI) configured to operate the watercraft  12 , may be in communication with second controller  70 . For example, wind sensors, directional sensors, and the like may be monitored by the second controller  70  and be operable to influence control over any one of the systems described. For example, the proximity sensor  86  may be utilized to determine a proximity of an overboard passenger in the water relative to the watercraft  12 . In addition, the speed sensor  88  may be monitored by the second controller  70  for influencing control over the engine control system  82 . 
     The engine control system  82  may include an engine  90 , a propeller  92 , and a throttle  94 . The engine control system  82  may also include any other thrusting means for moving the watercraft  12  through a body of water. The Throttle  94  may be employed to control a speed, or rotation per minute (RPM), of the engine  90 . Additionally, or alternatively, the throttle  94  may be employed to control a speed or acceleration of the propeller  92  of the engine control system  82 . In this way, the speed of the watercraft  12  may be controlled by the second controller  70 . 
     The steering control module  84  may include a rudder  98  for controlling the direction of the watercraft  12 . Handles  96 , or another steering mechanism, such as a steering wheel, may be provided with the steering control module  84  for controlling the direction of the rudder  98 . Additionally, or alternatively, the steering control module  84  may be an electronic steering control module  84  that does not require physical input from the steering wheel/handles  96  to control the direction of the watercraft  12 . 
     The system  10  may provide for a number of operations associated with authentication and/or detection of various events, such as the overboard condition. In a first operation, the watercraft  12  may be operable to deactivate the ignition of the watercraft  12  in response to the detection of the overboard condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the second controller  70  may be configured to activate the anchor system  80  of the watercraft  12  to secure the watercraft  12  to a position in the body of water near the overboard passenger  16 . Other responses of the system  10  may include an activation of the steering control module  84  and/or the engine control system  82 . For example, according to some configurations, when the RSSI module  72  no longer detects a signal of the wearable device  64 , or the signal of the wearable device  64  is so faint that it is below a certain threshold, the second controller  70  may be configured to slow the engine speed and/or cut the engine temporarily. Because the wearable device  64  may not have communication via the RSSI module  72  to the watercraft  12 , the wearable device  64  may alternatively communicate with the watercraft  12  via an auxiliary communication module operable via GPS communication, mobile data, or the like. 
     The positional data of the wearable device  64  may be communicated to the watercraft  12  via the auxiliary communication module. In response, the controller  18  (e.g., second controller  70 ) onboard the watercraft  12  may autonomously steer and propel the watercraft  12  toward the position of the wearable device  64  according to the GPS coordinates provided. The watercraft  12  may be controlled at a low rate of speed (e.g., 1 km/hour, 2 km/hour, 5 km/hour) until the RSSI module  72  receives signal strength from the wireless communication device  14 . The controller  18  (e.g., second controller  70 ) may be configured to once again deactivate the ignition and/or slow the engine  90  or the propeller  92 . In this way, the system  10  may provide for a safe response to detection of the overboard condition, such that the watercraft  12  may near the overboard passenger  16  without contacting the overboard passenger  16  in the water. It is generally contemplated that, in this configuration, the wearable device  64  includes the auxiliary communication module (e.g., having one of a satellite-based navigation protocol and a cellular radio frequency protocol) in addition to a primary communication module having a short-range radio frequency hopping protocol 
     According to other aspects of the overboard condition operation, the second controller  70  may monitor the proximity sensor to determine when the watercraft  12  is near the overboard passenger  16 . If the second controller  70  determines that contact with passenger  16  may occur absent a change in steering and/or control, the second controller  70  may immediately activate the anchor system  80  and control the rudder  98  to move the watercraft  12  away from the overboard passenger  16 . 
     Other aspects of the passenger  16  overboard operation may include active control over the watercraft  12  via the wearable device  64  and/or the mobile device  60 . For example, when the overboard condition has occurred, the wearable device  64  (e.g., smartwatch), may include an interface that allows control, at low speeds, over the watercraft  12  to direct the watercraft  12  toward the passenger  16 . For example, the watercraft  12  may be controlled via user input to a display screen of a smartwatch and/or a smart phone. The screen may display digital objects indicating left or right directions and forward/reverse directions for control over the steering of the watercraft  12 . In addition, the interface of the wearable device  64  and/or the mobile device  60  may allow control over the communication interface  68  of the watercraft  12 , such that help signals may be communicated from the communication module  68  of the watercraft  12  to other watercrafts and/or authorities (e.g., police, first responders, DNR, etc.). In this way, the wearable device  64  may provide additional safety features for the passengers  16 . The wireless communication device  14  may further be configured to transmit an SOS signal via cellular communication to the authorities, such as Coast Guard, DNR, etc. 
     According to a second operation, the system  10  may perform an authentication operation to limit access to control of the watercraft  12 . The authentication operation may be performed via one or more of the controllers  18  (e.g., the first controller  46 , the second controller  70 , a controller of the mobile device  60 ) in communication with the database  52 , the watercraft  12 , and the wireless communication device  14 . The at least one controller  18  may be configured to receive identification information and compare the identification information to a user profile stored in the database  52 . The controller  18  (e.g., first controller  46 ) may further determine, based on the comparison of the identification information to the user profile, an authorization condition. The at least one controller  18  (e.g., first controller  46 ) may then be configured to communicate an instruction to control the watercraft  12  based on the authorization condition. 
     For example, a controller of the first mobile device  60   a  may be configured to communicate with the first controller  46 . In particular, the controller of the first mobile device  60   a  may communicate an instruction to the first controller  46  to compare the user profile associated with the first wearable device  64   a  to the database  52  of user profiles. The first controller  46  may then communicate an instruction to the second controller  70  to activate the ignition system  78  of the watercraft  12  in response to determining that the particular user profile has operator permissions. In this way, the user profile associated with the operator of the watercraft  12  may be authenticated in the server  40  and determine whether control of the watercraft  12  is allowed. It is generally contemplated that other operations of the watercraft  12  may be controlled based on user profiles not relegated to just the ignition system  78 . For example, the engine control system  82  may be limited to preset speeds associated with the user profile as determined by a user profile of the owner of the watercraft  12  (e.g., an administrator profile). In addition, the engine control system  82  may be controlled to operate within a certain geographical boundary set by the user profile of the owner. It is generally contemplated that the word owner/administrator may refer to any authorized user relative to an unauthorized user or to a person with legal right of ownership of the watercraft  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a method  100  for controlling watercraft  12  is provided. At step  102 , a processor may be configured to receive identification information communicated from a wireless communication device  14  associated with the passenger  16  of the watercraft  12 . At step  104 , the processor may access a database  52  storing a user profile associated with the passenger  16  of the watercraft  12 . At step  106 , the identification information may be compared to the user profile at the processor. At step  108 , the processor may determine, based on the comparison of the identification information to the user profile, an authorization condition. At step  110 , the processor may communicate an instruction to control the watercraft  12  based on the authorization condition. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the mobile device  60  previously described is illustrated running the software application. With particular reference to  FIG. 6 , the software application may include a first display  112  indicating operator data  114  associated with potential operators of the watercraft  12 . Each potential operator may have a corresponding user profile that has certain limitations, as previously described. The operator data  114  may include ride data  116 , incident data  118 , event data  120 , and grade data  122  corresponding to the performance of the operator associated with a particular user profile. For example, the ride data  116  may indicate a number of trips, or rides, that particular operator has taken with a given watercraft  12  or with watercrafts generally. The incident data  118  may indicate the number of incidents (e.g., running out of fuel, collision with land, collision with another watercraft, an emergency, a regulatory infraction, etc.) that have occurred while the operator has been on a trip with the particular watercraft  12  or any watercraft  12 . The event data  120  may indicate the number of events that have occurred during a trip with the operator, including the incidents, as well as other events with less severity, such as operating the boat past a curfew, near misses with other watercrafts  12 , and the like. The grade data  122  may correspond to an overall performance of the operator based on the ride data  116 , incident data  118 , and event data  120 . The first display  112  may provide a simple way for an administrator to restrict access to particular features or to operation of the watercraft  12  altogether to specific operators. As such, the first display  112  may be accessible only to the administrator profile. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a second display  124  of the software application is illustrated. A communication button  126  may be provided in the software application on the second display  124 . The communication button  126  may launch a communication display that allows a first passenger using the first mobile device  60   a  to communicate, via text communication, to a second passenger using the second mobile device  60   b . The second display  124  may be a dashboard for the software application and be configured to toggle between a number of registered watercrafts  12 , as indicated by an indicator  128  at the bottom of the second display  124 . For instance, if a user swipes to the left or to the right, the software application may be configured to display a third display screen indicating a second watercraft  12  associated with the authenticated user. The second display screen  124  may include a start button  130  that, when activated by the user, may initialize a starting sequence of the selected watercraft  12 . Once the start button  130  has been engaged, the ignition of the marine vessel may be activated depending on the proximity of the mobile device  60  and/or the wearable device  64  relative to the selected watercraft  12 . 
     An activity log  132  may be displayed on the second display  124  for listing events associated with the selected watercraft  12 . For example, the activity log  132  may display an event such as the engine of the watercraft  12  starting and/or the engine of the watercraft  12  being deactivated. In addition, the activity log  132  may indicate the particular user profile engaged in the activity listed. For example, as illustrated, user profile “Rachel” started the engine at nine o&#39;clock on Aug. 22, 2019, and deactivated the engine at the same time. By accessing the second display  124 , an authenticated user may track the specific activity of the watercraft  12  and the activity of the users in relation to the watercraft  12 . 
     The system  10  may also perform various data tracking operations and alert operations for implementation with insurance provider software, as well as for operating software for marinas. The data tracking operations may employ algorithms on the data stored in the database. According to one tracking operation, the user profile may include a vehicle identification number, boater registration information (e.g., watercraft operator licenses), and insurance data. Passengers  16  with access to this information may enter the information via the mobile application to be associated as an owner/administrator. An administrator of the watercraft  12  may have access to activity of the watercraft  12 , as described, but additionally may be alerted for specific events. For example, the second controller  70  on-board the watercraft  12  or the first controller  46  associated with the server  40 , may communicate a message to the mobile device  60  of the administrator to indicate when an uninsured passenger is operating the watercraft  12 . The message may be in the form of an SMS message, an email, or other message communicated to the mobile device  60  via the first or second networks  44 ,  66 . Additionally, the message may be communicated to a second watercraft owned by the administrator, and a message may be displayed on an on-board HMI of the second watercraft. In this way, the system  10  may provide a check for uninsured motorists. 
     The uninsured operator event may, additionally or alternatively, be communicated to a computing device running the insurance software and/or the operating software of the marina. In this way, an insurance provider and/or a marina where the watercraft  12  is assigned may receive alerts via the alert operation of the system  10 . This may circumvent local authority involvement (e.g., police, department of natural resources, etc.). Other events, such as manufacturer recall notices, may be communicated via the mobile application to the passengers  16 . 
     Another data tracking operation provided by the system  10  may be a safety tracking function. The safety tracking operation may be employed with the second controller  70  to monitor the various watercraft control systems previously described (e.g., the steering system  84 , the engine control system  82 , GPS history, etc.) over extended periods (days, weeks, trips (e.g., duration from departure of dock until return to dock)). In this way, the system  10  may have access to the “black box” of the watercraft  12 . Based on the data received from monitoring the systems of the watercraft  12 , the first controller  46  may determine a safety rating assigned to the user profile of the operator. The administrator may, via the mobile application, allow the safety rating to be communicated to a computer device corresponding to the insurance provider. Performance-based insurance incentives may therefore be more readily available by providing insurance carriers access to data stored in the database  52  (e.g., the safety ratings). 
     Another data tracking operation may include a maintenance tracking operation. For example, a user profile may be associated with the marina and be granted access to data motored from the black box and stored either in on-board memory (e.g., second memory  76 ) or in the server  40 . The first controller  46  may be configured to determine a maintenance score corresponding to the health of the watercraft  12  based on the wear and/or harm done to the watercraft  12  over time. The marina profile may have access to the maintenance score and may allow a computer system of the marina to determine the money value of the watercraft  12  based on the maintenance score. In addition to a maintenance tracking operation, the system  10  may also track temporary health parameters, such as battery charge, water capacity/volume of the bilge, fuel levels, and the like. One or more of the controllers  18 ,  46 ,  70  may be operable to alert the passengers  16  via haptic feedback (e.g., vibration) of the wearable device  64  and or visual/audio feedback via a speaker or interface of the wearable device  64  based on the temporary health parameters. 
     One or more of the controllers  18  may further be configured to determine whether an accident has occurred based on the RSSI and watercraft  12  speed. For example, a sudden loss of Bluetooth signal concurrent with a deactivation of the engine  90  and or proximity or speed sensor  86 ,  88  feedback indicating contact with an object (e.g., a person) may be determined via the second controller  70  and communicated to the administrator profile via the server  40 . Thus, the second controller  70  may be configured to receive watercraft sensor data and compare the watercraft sensor data to the RSSI data to identify a collision. Collision event data may then be stored in the server  40  and/or communicated to a user profile, a computing device associated with the marina, and/or a computing device associated with the insurance provider. 
     As previously described, the user profiles may be limited according to restrictions set by the administrator. For example, the some user profiles may be authenticated to operate the watercraft  12  during specific times of the day and/or days of the week. Additionally, some user profiles may be authenticated to operate the watercraft  12  when a second user profile is detected aboard the watercraft  12 . The number of profiles maintained by the server  40  may be limited based on a subscription fee. 
     It is generally contemplated that the wireless communication device  14  may be solar-powered and include a lighting feature and/or a haptic device for providing haptic feedback to the passenger  16  when the system  10  initiates a finding function. For example, the software application may include a digital object that, when activated by the passenger  16 , utilizes a communication system of the mobile device  60  to communicate with the wearable device  64  to determine the location of the wearable device  64 . In response to the communication, the wearable device  64  may illuminate and/or vibrate. The wireless communication device  14  may further be configured to illuminate/vibrate in when hazardous events related to the watercraft  12  are detected via the second controller  70 . For example, the second controller  70  may be in communication with a depth sensor operable to detect shallow water. The second controller  70  may communicate an instruction to the mobile device  60  and/or the wireless communication device  14  to alert the passenger of a potential collision event with the floor of the body of water. Other hazardous events, such as low fuel, low oil, or battery low alerts may be communicated to the wireless communication device  14 . The wireless communication device  14  may also be equipped with a speaker system. The speaker system may be operable to communicate an alarm when the overboard condition is determined. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling a watercraft is disclosed. The system includes a wireless communication device corresponding to a passenger of the watercraft. A controller is in communication with the wireless communication device and the watercraft. The controller is configured to receive range information corresponding to a target distance between the watercraft and the wireless communication device. The controller is further configured to receive displacement data corresponding to an actual distance between the watercraft and the wireless communication device. The controller is further configured to compare the displacement data to the range information. The controller is further configured to determine an overboard condition based on the comparison of the displacement data to the range information. The controller is further configured to communicate an instruction to control the watercraft based on the overboard condition. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the controller is in communication with an engine control system of the watercraft. The instruction may be communicated to the engine control system to deactivate an engine of the watercraft. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the overboard condition corresponds to the passenger being spaced from the watercraft. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the overboard condition corresponds to the wireless communication device being spaced from the watercraft. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the wireless communication device is a wearable device attached to an appendage of the passenger. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, an interface is disposed on the wireless communication device and configured to receive a user input. The wireless communication device may be operable to control the engine control system based on the user input. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the watercraft includes a steering control system operably controlled via the user input. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the wireless communication module includes a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module may be operable with a first protocol, and the second communication module may be operable with a second protocol different from the first protocol. The displacement data may be based on a signal transmitted via the first communication module. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the controller is further configured to communicate with the second communication module in the overboard condition. The controller may further be configured to communicate with the first communication module when the passenger and the wireless communication device are within the target distance. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first protocol is a short-range radio frequency hopping protocol, and the second protocol is one of a satellite-based navigation protocol and a cellular radio frequency protocol. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first protocol is Bluetooth Low Energy. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling a watercraft includes a database storing a user profile associated with a passenger of the watercraft. The system includes a wireless communication device associated with the passenger. The wireless communication device is configured to communicate identification information of the passenger. At least one controller is in communication with the database, the watercraft, and the wireless communication device. The at least one controller is configured to receive the identification information. The at least one controller is further configured to compare the identification information to the user profile. The at least one controller is further configured to determine, based on the comparison of the identification information to the user profile, an authorization condition. The at least one controller is further configured to communicate an instruction to control the watercraft based on the authorization condition. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the instruction is communicated to an engine control system of the watercraft to allow activation of the engine control system. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the wireless communication device is a wearable device attached to an appendage of the passenger. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, further includes an interface disposed on the wireless communication device and configured to receive a user input. The wireless communication device may be operable to control the engine control system based on the user input. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the watercraft includes a steering control system operably controlled via the user input. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the at least one controller includes a first controller onboard the watercraft for controlling the watercraft and one of a remote server and a second controller included with a mobile device. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, one of the server and the second controller is configured to determine the authorization condition and communicate the authorization condition to the first controller. The first controller may be configured to communicate the instruction. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the user profile includes ownership data corresponding to an owner of the watercraft. Determining the authorization condition may be based further on a comparison of the identification information to the ownership data. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a watercraft includes, at one or more controllers, receiving identification information communicated from a wireless communication device associated with a passenger of the watercraft. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, accessing a database storing a user profile associated with the passenger of the watercraft. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, comparing the identification information to the user profile. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, determining, based on the comparison of the identification information to the user profile, an authorization condition. The method further includes, at the one or more controllers, communicating an instruction to control the watercraft based on the authorization condition. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary implementations is illustrative only. Although only a few implementations of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary implementations without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.