Earlier this month, FLIR announced its new First Mate product: “The world’s first waterproof, hand held, high-performance maritime thermal night vision camera available for less than $3,000.” Ben wrote about it over at Panbo, and it sounds like the perfect gift for the boater who has everything.

Seriously, though: Unless you’ve served in the military, fire fighting, or law enforcement, this is something you’re probably not familiar with. Thermal imaging is totally distinct from the night vision technology that has been available for years. The Panbo post, including the interesting discussion in the comments, can fill you in on the details. Suffice to say I’m interested!

And if you want to be the first on your block to get your hands on this über-cool gadget, you should plan to see the FLIR at the FLIBS—the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. FLIR will be there, showing it off.

I can’t make it to FLIBS, but since FLIR is located in my home town of Portland, Oregon, I might see if I can stop be the next time I’m down visiting the ol’ stompin’ ground.

Here’s the official press release…

FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced the launch of its new First Mate line of hand-held maritime thermal night vision cameras. The perfect nighttime navigation aid for use on any recreational powerboat or sailboat, the First Mate is also a valuable tool for finding people in the water, providing higher image resolution than other hand-held thermal cameras at a fraction of the cost.

First Mate maritime thermal cameras give users the power to see navigation hazards like channel markers, land, other boats and people in the water more clearly – and from farther away – than ever before, even in total darkness. Available for as little as $2,999, no boater can afford to be on the water after dark without the First Mate.

Built to survive the most demanding environmental conditions, the First Mate is fully submersible, runs for over five hours on a single battery charge, and has more than 120 hours of standby battery life. Because the First Mate isn’t bolted to your boat, you can take it with you anywhere.

Unlike image intensified night vision binoculars and scopes, thermal night vision cameras from FLIR make pictures from heat, not light, so thermal night vision cameras like the First Mate can see clearly without any light at all. With more maritime thermal cameras at sea around the globe than every other manufacturer combined, FLIR is the world’s most trusted name in thermal imaging. First Mate uses the same core thermal night vision technology as FLIR’s industry-leading Navigator II, Voyager II and M-Series

“Thermal imaging has become an indispensable tool for maritime navigation and safety,” said Lou Rota, Vice President of Maritime Business Development at FLIR Systems. “Our new First Mate camera combines our industry-leading thermal cameras with our tested military technology to deliver the ultimate hand-held imager for recreational and commercial marine markets.”