What If the Ocean Could Talk Back? 
Imagine you're on your boat, heading into familiar waters. Suddenly, a nearby vessel's data—shared anonymously and securely through the NMEA Cloud—warns of unexpected shoaling ahead. You change course. You avoid a costly grounding. You stay safe. This is the power of connected boating. This is the promise of the NMEA Cloud.

The NMEA Cloud Initiative is a newly launched effort to create a smarter, safer, and more connected marine environment through real-time, anonymized data sharing. Developed by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) and in collaboration with groups like the WAVS Task Force, this project is currently in development—and we need your support to bring it to life.

Imagine a world where boaters receive live hazard alerts, where marine mammal sightings help avoid strikes, and where shared vessel data powers research and innovation. That’s the world the NMEA Cloud aims to build—together.

This effort directly reflects the mission of the National Marine Electronics Association: to lead in the development of safety-focused standards, training, and advocacy that benefit the entire marine electronics community. The NMEA Cloud expands on that mission by uniting manufacturers, boaters, and researchers around a shared commitment to safer navigation, better communication, and smarter decision-making—on every kind of vessel, in every kind of water.

​How Does It Work?

At the heart of the NMEA Cloud is a simple but powerful idea: boats already collect vast amounts of valuable data—why not share it in a way that’s secure, anonymous, and beneficial to everyone?

• Data Collection: Vessels equipped with NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, or OneNet-compatible electronics continuously gather data such as depth, speed, AIS, wind, and environmental conditions.
• Cloud Uplink: A secure onboard device  transmits select data to the NMEA Cloud using encrypted, anonymized protocols.
• Privacy Preserved: No personal or identifying vessel information is transmitted. Data is opt-in only, and owners control what is shared.
• Data Aggregation: Once in the cloud, the data is standardized and made available in real time to authorized users, services, and partners—enabling alerts, analytics, and environmental monitoring.
• API Access: Open API for developers, researchers, and agencies to build applications and systems that make marine data even more useful.

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Why It Matters

• Prevent accidents with real-time alerts about hazards and conditions.
• Protect endangered wildlife by logging and alerting marine mammal sightings.
• Enable smarter, more efficient navigation and fuel usage.
• Support vital research into changing marine environments.

​​We’re Defining It Now—With You
The NMEA Cloud isn’t finished. It’s being shaped, discussed, and refined right now by stakeholders across the marine industry—and your voice matters. Whether you're an equipment manufacturer, marine researcher, boatbuilder, or passionate boater, this is your opportunity to be part of something transformative.

Participate in NMEA Cloud Development Learn About the NMEA Cloud Initiative

Support the WAVS Taskforce

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