A free New SSCA Member Benefit
The Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) is excited to introduce HAL (Hybrid Applied Layer, LLC’S HAL-CORE), a maritime AI partner designed specifically for our members.
HAL is not a chartplotter or navigation system—it is a text-based assistant, a captain’s autopilot for navigational information. Running inside ChatGPT, HAL controls the time, sources, and data it uses, ensuring that answers are valid. It is based on curated government sources, maritime-specific, and up to date. It is an AI assistant to the captain, not a chartplotter or navigation system. An excellent nav data fusion system for mariners.
With HAL, on their mobile or laptop in one window, members can:
Review the latest navigation updates (LNMs, AtoNs, dredging notices) in one fused view.
Use android/apple/windows, use cell internet service or Starlink
Access Coast Pilot .LNM and Light List data quickly in one text view, a heads up.
Use unique commands, to view port and location/customs information from government data systems.
Run short “Did You Know?” briefings for small boat operations.
HAL is a captain’s AI assistant, not charting, not navigation, it complements your existing services.
In advanced mode, HAL can support inventory and more
HAL Lite is now being released to SSCA members for testing, the first twenty volunteers will have the opportunity to load and use the running system immediately, full release will happen during the Chesapeake GAM.. Please request your copy via the HAL Forum in www.ssca.org (select using your profile and add HAL FORUM to your interests). This requires a ChatGPT account, free or paid (PLUS) and installs via an internet link from www.ssca.org.
At the major SSCA events, in Chesapeake and in Melbourne Florida, we will provide installation assistance and further training of use of AI for mariners. The full HAL suite will be part of the Maritime Digital Desktop in late 2025. This is an ongoing effort to integrate the historical materials from over 70 years of cruising, mentorship and integrate with modern government curated data.
Upcoming HAL Workshops
Members can experience HAL in person at two upcoming GAMs:
Chesapeake GAM, September 26–28, 2025
Melbourne GAM, November 14–16, 2025
At both events, SSCA volunteers and HAL developers will host workshops to help members install HAL and demonstrate its advanced features. Explore HAL in action!
