FarSounder: Where Technology Meets Sustainability
Sustainability has become the watchword in the yachting industry as everyone recognizes the importance of protecting the marine environment. FarSounder has embraced this mission from the beginning — at its core is the belief in improving safety at sea and pushing the boundaries of possibility when exploring the world’s oceans.
“The sustainability of our oceans and marine wildlife is vital to all mariners, including the yacht community. All need to do their part,” says Cassie Stetkiewicz, FarSounder’s Director of Operations. “One way yachts can do their part is through data contributions without changing anything they do today with minimal effort. The data they contribute is essential to scientific efforts and has a real- world impact.”
Beyond safe navigation, FarSounder’s innovative products are designed to minimize environmental impact and protect marine ecosystems. In 2001, FarSounder pioneered 3D Forward-Looking Sonar technology in response to devastating oil spills and whale strikes. Their patented Argos 1000, 500, and 350 systems provide clear, real-time imagery of underwater terrain and seafloor features, providing the bridge team with the necessary information to significantly improve navigation and reduce the risk of collisions.
Argos 500 User Interface
That commitment is interwoven throughout the company’s products and services. “We’re focused on improving what we have and using the tool to do good,” Stetkiewicz says. FarSounder is collaborating with industry partners and users alike to improve vessel operations with crowd- sourced data collection and sharing.
With FarSounder’s technology, yacht crew can upload real-time information about the seafloor, marine life, and other environmental factors encountered during voyages anonymously to FarSounder’s cloud services. This approach, along with the contribution of this data to global initiatives, advances both scientific understanding and equips other yachts with navigational insights. “Our customers can share their data, creating a continuously updated resource that benefits the entire industry,” Stetkiewicz adds.
FarSounder also works with The International SeaKeepers Society, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), and the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project to assist in mapping the seabed. The Seabed 2030 initiative aims to compile and digitize all available ocean mapping data by 2030 and create a comprehensive map of the world’s seafloor.
FarSounder’s CSB Data Explorer
FarSounder’s web-based CSB Data Explorer allows crowdsourced bathymetry (CSB) data contributors to track their mapping contributions. The dashboard displays contribution areas and key statistics — plus it encourages participation by allowing users to share their progress on social media. The platform uses gamification, letting contributors compare their data with the broader FarSounder fleet and view the IHO CSB database on a global map.
Protecting whales is important to FarSounder’s mission. Since its technology was initially developed in part to help prevent whale strikes, the company is introducing a whale spotting and safe vessel operations course focused on bridge crew. This is not a FarSounder sonar-specific class; rather, the class is focused on adding to the crew’s skills in spotting and identifying whales and raising awareness of steps yachts can take to operate more safely in areas with whale populations.
Multiple humpback whales detected with Argos 500.
The course includes the basics of whale biology, introduces the participants to a variety of common species, and highlights vessel regulations in various parts of the world. A cadre of guest hosts from organizations who are global leaders in whale conservation have collaborated to make the presentation of the content not only comprehensive but also enjoyable.
FarSounder’s latest software updates also include a dedicated button for the crew to report whale sightings or debris in the water. This information is shared with all users. “Citizen science is important. Due to the places yachts travel, it’s a great opportunity to advance awareness of whale locations and behaviors,” Stetkiewicz says. By raising awareness, FarSounder aims to inspire a new era of environmental and marine mammal responsibility within the industry.
FarSounder’s educational efforts don’t stop there. The company regularly hosts roundtable discussions on various topics. Recently, they participated in a talk on Ocean Exploration and had previously joined in a discussion about Advanced Navigation Technology and Ocean Sustainability. In March 2025, FarSounder founder and CEO Matthew Zimmerman will present at the Superyacht Technology Show in Barcelona, highlighting the yachting community’s role in protecting whales.
While FarSounder’s mission may be grounded in sustainability, its sophisticated navigation solutions are equally revolutionary for yachts, especially in remote or uncharted waters. Their forward-looking sonar is a critical addition to any yacht’s navigation toolkit, ensuring safer and more responsible exploration.
Contact the team online to learn more about FarSounder’s initiatives and technology. Yacht owners and captains can also connect with the company’s global network of dealers to see how best the tech can be integrated on board.
Wherever you decide to go, FarSounder will help get you there safely.