Nobeltec has taken TIMEZERO to the cloud and introduced online AIS that can display vessel positions beyond a vessel’s VHF reach in real time. “Besides offering global AIS coverage from our partnership with Marine Traffic and others, connecting to the cloud benefits almost everything in our product line,” says Daniel Joram, Nobeltec’s national sales manager.
"Any PC that’s connected to the internet can have access to this. In the past, a small number of customers used KVH or Intellian satellite service, but this was cost-prohibitive for small operators. Some would also use cell coverage near shore. Now with Starlink and other constellations coming online, almost everyone is connected to the cloud.”
Joram notes that vessels running TZ Pro and TZ Navigator will have access to automatic software updates, real time chart updates, community maps, TZ Online AIS, premium weather with real time Doppler radar, and text-based weather alerts.
"We added some new features with rain radar and marine forecast zones in the premium weather,” says Joram. “We’re also able to do fleet tracking. Up in Alaska, there are private AIS groups, and the fleet managers can track them and know where all their boats are.”
Previously, these features were unavailable in TIMEZERO without an internet connection. According to Joram, fishermen without satellite connections would have to be in port or have a cell connection in order to update features like Community Charts—where mariners can add information about hazards, buoy locations, and other relevant observations.
“Now if you have Starlink or another internet connection, your chart updates as soon as we update,” says Joram. “The same with our software updates. You get an announcement, and it will invite you to update at that moment or later, and when you’re ready you push the button, and it updates.”
TZ Online also offers Route Assist, Joram adds. “With Route Assist, you can create a complex route on your chart. It automatically creates your route, avoiding obstructions and maintaining a safe depth.”
Joram reports doing a training workshop for AIS online in Sitka, Alaska, and getting positive responses. “The guys were texting me back saying they were out fishing black cod and they had all the AIS marks from the buoys and other boats. I also go out with them to do training onboard and get feedback.”
Most of the new features have been available since October 2024.
“The AIS module costs $9,” says Joram. “And the premium subscription is $9 a month. Our charts are $19 a year, $39 for Canada, which I think is pretty reasonable.”
