Expert advise and comment on the finest available products and concepts for security and safety on your yacht, boat or recreational vehicle, as researched by Marine Guard Yacht Security.
The boating season is in the height of activity. Now is the best time to look into how a boat alarm system can prevent theft and help supervise your vessel for loss of shore power, high bilge water, extreme temperatures, movement and unauthorized boarding.
The systems that are designed from the ground up just for the marine environment are the most dependable. Many companies offer modified home or business security systems as boat alarms. These systems are not able to stand the test of time in the harsh environments we use our boats in. They also utilize equipment that was never designed to detect violations in or on boats.
When you research the systems that are designed just for the marine environment, the difference becomes visibly and sensibly clear. Easy to install, works on 12/24V systems, very low power draw, simple to use and functional for all the things you want protected on your vessel, is what you get with a marine security system. They are extremely affordable also, as you are not paying for features you will not be using in the home security platforms.
These systems can be used as a stand alone attention getter, sounding siren and flashing vessel lights or they can easily be monitored by adding a cellular or satellite communicator that is also designed just for boat alarm systems.
We have developed a website where you can learn all about the finest boat and yacht security alarm systems available at MarineGuardSecurity.com If you have any additional questions when doing your boat alarm research, I will be available there to answer all of your questions.
Many don’t think about alarming their boat until there is some activity in the area where the boat is kept, provoking a concern. At that point they scramble to protect their vessel and its equipment, and end up paying way too much for a system that was designed for a residential application. These modified home alarms, will never stand up to the harsh marine environment they are expected to function in and have only basic features built into them.
A true marine alarm is built from the ground up with purposeful design. They are enclosed in NMEAIII enclosures, protecting them from the damp marine environment. The devices are encased in epoxies, have potted electronics, they operate on the 12/24 VDC systems that the boats supply. The marine systems draw minimal amperage so that they can be used when the vessel is traveling without shore power.
You can remotely control all the features of your system from PC or cell phone, such as arming/disarming, turning lights and appliances on/off etc…
There is an array of available alarm devices such as contacts for hatches and doors, canvas snap detectors, deck and ladder pressure sensors and motion sensors, to protect from unwanted visitors. All are offered in hardwired versions and licensed frequency wireless devices for the hard to wire vessel.
A marine security system also supervises your vessel.
When you purchase a marine alarm system, supervising your vessel is an added feature that residential alarm systems can’t provide.
Since your vessel has no telephone lines or cables ran to it, you will monitor your boat alarm through cellular SIM cards or satellite and IP (internet protocol).
Boat security systems are monitored directly by the boat master via text message, voice reporting, internet and two way voice and listen in capabilities.
Your boat security system will monitor and report loss of shore power, high and low temperatures in your engine room and cabin, high water in your bilge (if your bilge pump should fail), smoke and fire and unannounced guests boarding.
There is an available option to look inside and around your vessel from anywhere in the world via PC or Java enabled device (you can pan and tilt the cameras). During a system violation video is stored on an off vessel server for your retrieval and review.
You can also add vessel tracking to your system, which will report all vessel movement by course, speed and heading until you disarm it remotely.
Are these systems affordable?
You will be amazed at how affordable these systems are! They can be modulated, so you purchase just the level of features you are interested in, and can be added to easily at any time. Many are virtually plug and play as they come preprogrammed from the distributer. They can all be installed easily by the handy boat owner or his/her favorite mechanic. Join us at www.MarineGuardSecurity, to learn all about these marine grade security and supervisory systems. I make myself always available to answer all of your questions and support you, as your personal consultant. I look forward to helping you find the perfect system for you and your vessel.
Marine Guard Yacht Security is always on watch for intelligent and well designed concepts pertaining to safety and security on boats of all types and sizes. I happened upon a blog post from a family that lives on a sailing vessel off the east coast. They have a small child aboard and many of his posts are about their safety concerns for young Emma.
His recent post made my day and actually made me laugh out loud! Make sure you check out "How to tether a naked baby in a sailboat"at:
Do not approach within 100 yards of any U.S. naval vessel. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel in order to ensure a safe passage in accordance with the Navigation Rules, you must contact the U.S. naval vessel or the Coast Guard escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16.
You must operate at minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. naval vessel and proceed as directed by the Commanding Officer or the official patrol.
Violations of the Naval Vessel Protection Zone are a felony offense, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.
Yacht owners are always insistent on these two things.
Only the best of your friends and business associates are permitted to enjoy the pleasures of visiting your vessel.
You are diligent about bringing only the finest products on board for safety and lifestyle.
As vessel owners ourselves we at “Marine Guard Yacht Security” share your passion. It is with a deep understanding of marine security needs and our desire to bypass inferior substitutes, that we developed the security and supervisory solutions for your prized possession.
With 25 years of hands on experience in all aspects of the electronic security industry, we have both the ability and the desire to weed through the vast multitudes of available components to select only the very best. It is with personal knowledge of the demands of our vessels and how they operate, that qualifies us to integrate security into the marine environment. Products that were manufactured for residential and commercial applications are often used but rarely stand up to the conditions our vessels operate and reside in.
As a branch of an industry specific consumer protection company, “The Experts Know!” we are mandated to a level of consumer concern that is above and beyond. If we wouldn’t use it ourselves, we will never suggest it to you!
The Marine Guard Yacht Security Systems:
* Are designed specifically for the marine environment * Are user friendly and operate without complication * Report directly to you on your cell phone and computer * Protect your vessel from intruders boarding with state of the art detection devices * Guard against undesired hatch / door openings * Announce welcome guests while you're aboard * Identify, report and log authorized real time boarding’s and departures * Monitor your bilge high water levels * Monitor your 12VDC and shore power supply * Monitor your vessels high and low temperatures * Detect and report smoke and rapid temperature change * Set a Geo Fence around your boat preventing unauthorized movement * Give you web site access for your vessels GPS location, heading and speed * Allow you to remotely control lighting and on board systems * Give you remote 2 way voice communications * Provide remote video of your vessel's interior, bridge and engine room * Store video of interior violations on an off vessel server w/ internet access * Are available in hardwired and licensed frequency wireless platforms * Can be used as a stand alone local system without reporting.
Reporting is done by your choice of cellular communicators for local protection or satellite communicators for global vessel protection.
We look forward to designing a custom system for you.
As my wife and I returned home to our marina from a day at the office yesterday, we saw the upset on the face of a fellow live aboard. She stated that a diver was called to check the zincs on the bottom of the boat that shares the slip with hers. The boat owner lives in a different state and hadn’t been up to visit his vessel for over two years.
When the diver took a look below, he was in shock not only by the amount of growth on the bottom but at the total loss of all of the boats zincs. The twin props became the new sacrificial lambs and were in the advanced stages of disintegrating as well.
The reason my neighbor was so upset, is that she and her husband were only back in the water 10 days from a new bottom paint job, new zincs, and serviced props. The diver told her that he noticed her new paint was bleeding copper and her new zincs were already corroding. It was obvious from her neighbor’s boat condition that he was sitting hot.
The dock master was called and contacted the boat owner to notify him of the condition, that was causing a problem for him and his neighbors. The out of town owner asked the dock master to board and check things out for him. When the dock master and president of our docks condo association boarded the vessel, they noticed a water leak from one of the through hulls. When they touched it, the through hull popped off and the vessel began to take on water. An emergency tow and haul out saved a boat that was doomed for a trip to the bottom, if it wasn’t discovered by this chain of events.
Upon returning home today we saw the boat in the slings and a crowd of people stood around in awe at the horrific conditions that were now visible on this beautiful boat. In just two years the bottom was becoming it’s own reef and the running gear was all pitted and now useless.
My wife and I no longer feel bad about spending money to have our boat dove on every three to four months for cleaning, inspection and zinc replacement as needed. As with everything else in our beloved boating world it’s “Pay Me Now” or “Pay Me Much More Later”
Let’s take notice of the parts of our boats that we can’t see and remember that our neglect can also cause hardship for our neighbors.
Got an extra million laying around? David Crosby's (CSN Fame) 1947 59' Alden 356-B Centerboard Schooner is for sale!
This yacht is a CLASSIC WOODEN SAILBOAT in look, in design, and in performance. MAYAN has been owned for more than 40 years by David Crosby of Crosby Stills and Nash. It was very extensively rebuilt (>$600k) in 2005 by Wayne Ettel in Wilmington, CA. The details of the rebuild were featured in WoodenBoat magazine #187/66. The boat is a very powerful design that takes the weather very well. The cabin layout is very traditional but easily sleeps eight in three staterooms plus a large saloon double berth. The boat has been continuously upgraded since 2005 with the addition of new electronics and continuous maintenance by paid hands. A very valuable 76ft end tie is available for transfer to the new owner in Santa Barbara, CA
It should, because every boat that is crewed by 2 or more people has heard it.
Its not that the skippers are wanting to shout, it’s because concise and well understood communications are pertinent to the safety of the crew and vessel itself. Timing and execution of necessary maneuvers are always important to their success. Every skipper knows that job #1 is to take responsibility for these.
Due to winds and currents causing ever changing docking, anchoring and mooring buoy situations, the shouting of an unrehearsed crew becomes entertainment for onlookers and all others within earshot. Some attempt to overcome this well known problem with the use of hand held radios or cell phones. This just adds to the list of things to coordinate as crew with lines or bow hooks in hand, fumble for the talk button on the radio or wait their turn to answer the skipper when he/she is orchestrating the crew.
This problem is easily solved by what I consider a “must have piece of boating equipment.” The Eartec TD 900 wireless communications system is the finest captain to crew radio set I have ever had the pleasure of using. It is crystal clear without any static from anywhere on board. This system is not push to talk and not voice activated, instead both captain and crew can talk simultaneously (because of its full duplex technology) as if they were in the same room having a conversation.
This system has relieved much anxiety for my wife and I as we are in constant communications and always aware of what the other is thinking and doing, without any shouting. This allows us both to concentrate on our responsibilities and task at hand. It also allows me to talk her through her plan of action which creates training through repetition.
The radio itself is a lightweight unit with a belt clip. Since my wife works the decks and lines, we found that putting hers in a small cloth bag with an over shoulder strap keeps her unit secure while moving about. The lightweight headset is plugged into the radio and keeps one ear free for other sounds. A quick radio check has us both off to work with the task at hand, looking like we actually know what we are doing.
The unit costs under $300.00 and comes with a molded storage case; two radios (master and remote), two headsets and two recharging plug in transformers. More can be learned about these units from Eartec at: www.eartec.com
It is worth every penny and will add to your boating safety and pleasure. If you are into other two person activities such as rock climbing, bicycling, horseback riding etc… Bonus!
Paradox Marine And EMS Satamatics Launch Third Generation Nav-Tracker Web Site www.Nav-Tracker.com allows users to manage boat tracking system online
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) – Wireless boat security system supplier Paradox Marine has collaborated with EMS Satamatics, a leading provider of telematics, asset tracking and monitoring services, to launch their new web site Nav-Tracker.com (www.Nav-Tracker.com). The web site, hosted by EMS Satamatics, allows users of Paradox Marine Nav-Tracker GPS Tracking, Security & Monitoring Systems to manage their onboard systems remotely via the World Wide Web and track their vessel over an advanced Google Earth interface.
EMS Satamatics - a leading IsatM2M provider and a division of EMS Technologies inc. - an innovator in the design and manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense solutions - provide Nav-Tracker systems with the core modem technology and the required ground earth stations. These in conjunction with Inmarsat’s Satellite Network, provide asset tracking and monitoring capability globally. The system monitors a boat’s location and notifies up to ten people by email and/or text message every 15 minutes with the latitude/longitude, speed and heading if it is moved outside of its predefined “geo-fence”. Nav-tracker system options include 3 daily status reports and alarm notification reports if security sensors or bilge pump sensors on the vessel are tripped.
Nav-Tracker.com is a third generation tracking website which incorporates an advanced Google Earth interface allowing users to overlay a trace (breadcrumb trail) of their vessel, or fleet of vessels, with their exact current location and precisely where they have been. On the new site, users can track the movement, adjust the geo-fence radius and reporting intervals for a boat - or a fleet of boats - located anywhere in the world.
Other unique features of the new site include the ability to arm/disarm the geo-fence & sensors from the website, ping/poll the vessel at any time for the vessel’s exact position, have up to 10 text or email recipients for alerts with the ability to select which alerts go to which users. The website’s advanced technology even allows multiple users to hold different levels of access to the site, from view only options to complete control of entire fleets.
Some insurance companies now require GPS tracking devices, like the Nav-Tracker, to be installed on certain types of boats, including high performance boats and boats with high-horsepower outboards. Paradox Marine recently received a medal from the US Coast Guard in recognition of the role a Nav-Tracker system played in the quick recovery of a stolen boat in the Bahamas last September.
About EMS Satamatics
EMS Satamatics, a division of EMS Technologies (NASDAQ: ELMG) is a leader in global telematics, providing global, end-to-end tracking and monitoring solutions for transportation, security, maritime and oil and gas industries. EMS Satamatics helps companies and governments locate, track and communicate with mobile assets, safeguard their fleets, cargo and personnel, and monitor their fixed and mobile assets in the most hostile or remote terrains in the world. Visit www.satamatics.com or www.ems-t.com for more information.
About Paradox Marine
Paradox Marine manufactures wireless security, monitoring, GPS tracking & surveillance systems for boats of all sizes. Together with Paradox Security Systems, our products are distributed in over 100 countries worldwide and remain one of the top ten security companies in the world. Our personalized service and innovative technology has allowed us to provide complete peace of mind for the boat owner while onboard and afar. For more information on Nav-Tracker and the complete Paradox Marine product line, visit www.MarineGuardSecurity.com
According to the International Association of Marine Investigators, as many as 27,000 boats are stolen annually. “Alarms and other deterrents are not enough. However, with Nav-Tracker on board, if your boat is stolen, there's a very good chance you'll get it back,” said Jay Keenan, Paradox Marine Vice President of Marketing.
Which was the case on January 3, 2009 when the Nav-Tracker 2.0 wireless boat location and GPS tracking system from Paradox Marine helped the Broward County, Florida Sheriff's Department recover a stolen, 35' Fountain worth $200,000 within 60 minutes.
According to Paradox Marine, when a Nav-Tracker 2.0 transmitter is mounted discreetly on a boat, a wireless ‘fence’ with a 500-foot range is created. If a boat is moved outside of this fence, Nav-Tracker 2.0 uses Inmarsat based GPS satellite technology to monitor a boat’s location and notify up to four people by email and/or text message every 15 minutes with the latitude/longitude, speed and heading.
The Experts Know! LLC has been educating consumers of electronic security systems for home and business for many years. I have always taken pride in the many people that we have educated on how to choose a good security company and the proper equipment. Through educated consumers, alarm dealers began reaching out to us for consultation. Over the past few years, The Experts Know! LLC has been called on to help train dozens of existing and startup alarm companies. They needed to know how to market to and satisfy the newly and thoroughly educated consumers we took a big part in. This became our grass roots campaign to insist on pride and professionalism in what I have always considered a noble profession.
When Experts moved our base operation to the great Pacific Northwest in 2005, we began to get many phone calls from owners of boats and yachts. There are multitudes of privately owned vessels all along coastal waters that are prime targets for theft. These boats are often unattended while their owners go about the business of being able to afford them. That makes them prime targets as they are not difficult to board without being noticed. Boats of all sizes have several thousands of dollars worth of electronics and equipment onboard to help them navigate and operate safely.
In addition to being an easy target for criminals, owners have a large list of supervisory conditions to worry about. It’s astounding how many boats have sunk tied to the docks at the marinas they are kept in, because a bilge pump failed to operate as water naturally seeped into the bilge. There are also many other problems for boat owners to be concerned with such as unauthorized boarding’s, someone pulling the shore power plug out and not replacing it, freezing temperatures onboard because of heater failure, fire and unauthorized movement of the boat, to name a few.
As I began to research proper methods of protecting these vessels I was astounded at the statistics. There was an abundance of case history to warrant the need for security in this environment and the market was not making products available to answer the call. The few companies that saw the need and stepped up to offering solutions were making a big mistake. They were using the same alarm systems that are being installed in residential and commercial applications on the boats that wanted security.
As we researched the effects of modifying land based alarm systems for the marine environment, it became obvious that the harsh marine environment where most boats reside and operate is too harsh for these systems to be reliable in. There are inherent problems as basic as the corrosive salt air and vibration during operation. In addition to the obvious, there are choice issues such as mooring on a buoy instead of docking with an electrical source and reporting conditions without use of a phone line.
The list grew bigger with problems like wind and dock bumping causing violations on motion detectors that were not designed for these conditions. Access to expensive equipment without ever entering the interior and critters boarding without care of any of these issues, and it was quite obvious that there was a lot to be considered.
After much research we found only a few systems that were designed specifically to address the necessary concerns. These systems are enclosed in NMEA III water resistant control boxes with epoxy protected components and potted electronics. They use deck sensors to protect against unauthorized boarding’s, work on 12VDC power from the boats batteries and draw very few milliamps. Bilges are supervised for high water, smoke detectors and temperature sensors look for signs of fire and temperature extremes, High and low voltage monitors watch over shore power and battery conditions while the boat owner can set a Geo Fence around the boat that will detect movement outside of a virtual circle.
As for reporting these conditions to the boat owners and their assigned supervisors, the systems use cell communicators for inland water kept vessels or boats that will remain within the reach of cell towers. You can also choose a satellite communicator which protects the boat from anywhere in the world.
These systems report directly to the owner and assigned supervisors such as mechanics and dock master’s by cell phone and e-mail. The boat owner can access a web page just for their vessel and see the location, heading and speed in real time. They can also remotely operate the complete system, turn on and off onboard appliances and lighting, and even shut down the engines if they wish. The Experts Know has created a dedicated marine division called Marine Guard Security and makes information and product available directly to the marine consumer through a link on our website.
You can also go directly to marineguardsecurity.com to learn more about these systems that answer the call and apply the standards of excellence that an educated consumer will insist on.
Bosun the Bird Dog- A guy treats himself to a hunting vacation with a high-brow outfitter. When he arrives at camp, the outfitter greets him with a tricked-out Jeep, a top-of-the-line rifle and an impeccably trained hunting dog named Bosun.
The hunt goes perfectly. The Jeep handles the terrain well, the rifle aims true and Bosun is the best bird dog this hunter has ever seen. As he settles his bill with the outfitter, he books a trip for the following year and says, “I want that same rifle, that same Jeep and Bosun.” The outfitter makes the note and our hunter departs.
The following year, the hunter arrives back at camp anxious to get started. The outfitter greets him and says, “Here’s the same rifle you used last year; I have your same Jeep gassed up and ready, and here is Ruger, he’ll be your bird dog this year. I’m afraid Bosun had a terrible accident.”
Concerned, the hunter asks, “Was he shot?”
“Oh no, nothing like that,” says the outfitter. “One of our hunters accidentally called him Skipper for a week, and now all he does is stand around and bark at everybody.”
This extremely reliable service, formerly used exclusively by commercial vessels, is now available to the private boat owner. When armed, the system passively sets a 500 meter geo-fence (radius) around the vessel. In the event the geo-fence is breached, as many as 4 recipients you designate will receive an email and/or text message displaying the vessel name, its location in latitude and longitude, the closest city, its speed and heading. The unit will also send you a daily status report with the same information. Finally boat owners can have peace of mind knowing where their boat is at all times.
Daily transmissions of location and status
Passive Geo-Fence Arm and Disarm
Real time GPS tracking through INMARSAT D+ Satellite Service
When in Geo-Fence Alarm, unit transmits location, speed and heading every 15 minutes
Stand alone system or Wirelessly Integrate with Paradox Marine Magellan systems
Runs on 12 VDC Power with optional Battery Back upAvailable
Actual Message from NAV-TRACKER 2.0:
User: Paradox Marine Asset: M/Y Island Time Fleet: ETI DateTime: 2006-07-25 15:06:28 (EDT) Event: Geo-fence breached; Location: 26.05767,-80.13033 (0.75 mi NE of Hollywood,FL(33019) Speed/heading: 9.2 Knots, 144 Deg Google Earth Map: [KML] This email is for notification only. Please DO NOT reply to this email.
When we looked for a hardwired system to serve in the marine environment, we were shocked at how many modified home security systems were being marketed as marine systems. The Marine Guard system and equipment was developed ground up specifically for and with a deep understanding of what the marine environment is. From its NMEA III enclosure to its potted and epoxy coated components, it is precisely what is needed to protect and watch over your vessel in your absence.
The manufacturer of the system Sure Action Inc. is the inventor of the deck sensor, a small pressure sensor that is hidden under decks and ladders. The deck sensor is immune to birds, sun, rain, the rocking of the boat and the boat banging against the dock. They are the only motion detection device of its kind in the industry.The deck sensors are used in pairs to balance the system. Three different pulsars are manufactured specifically for fiberglass decks, wood decks and all gunwales and steel/aluminum decks. The control has a 24 hr bilge zone, (2 or 4) dedicated deck sensor zones and (3) additional hardwired zones for any other normally open security and supervisory equipment you would like to add to your system.
The MG58 can handle up to (8) eight deck sensors and the MG54 handles up to (4) four deck sensors. I recommend the 58 for vessels larger than 60 ft. and the 54 for those less than 60 ft. Each control comes with (1) Outdoor Siren, a (4) channel wireless receiver, (2) keychain remotes for arming and disarming, (1) chime-plate with on / off switch to announce visitors and (2) LED’s for alarm status. Most of the Marine Guard Yacht Security packages include (2) to (4) deck sensors and (2) contacts as well.
Add a contact to doors and hatches to the interior for additional perimeter protection. The contacts come in four different styles. (Large) for wide gap hatches, (Small) for tight door protection, (Recessed) for hidden contacts and (wireless) for areas that you can’t get a wire to.
Add an optional Bilge Sensor & Sounder for high water detection.
Add an optional Pet Immune Dual Technology Passive Infrared Motion Detector for interior applications.
You can use your system as a stand alone local system to sound a siren and flash lighting or you can add a Marine Guard Monitoring device to give you 24/7 contact with your boats security and supervisory devices.
For boats that are restricted to inland waters or will always be in a cell coverage area, the Marine Guard Cellular Communicator works with a prepaid SIM card. It will send a report to your e-mail and text your cell phone on any violation. The cellular communicator is available both with and without GPS tracking capability. For everywhere in the world coverage, you would add the Marine Guard Satellite Transponder. This device will bounce any violation signal off of a satellite to your e-mail and cell phone.
You will be able to set a Geo-Fence (Virtual Fence) around your boat with either of these reporting systems from your computer. If the boat moves out of your Geo-Fence you will be alerted immediately. You will than have the ability to track your vessels location, speed and heading from any computer.
There is a monthly fee to monitor these devices based on what frequencies of reports you want. The basic package is (1) one report every five days and always during every violation. You can choose to receive a report up to hourly for high security applications. One example of how a reporting package might be utilized is boat owners could be notified every time their vessel is boarded and know the course, speed and location at all times when the boat is moved from its assigned slip. Charter boat owners love this feature.
There is also a monitoring central station option for the owner that needs a professional operator to receive and dispatch assigned responders to alarms and supervisory conditions.
There is nothing more dependable than a hardwired system that is designed just for the marine environment. Many boat owners are capable of doing installations themselves and they will find the Marine Guard System to be straight forward and easy to install. For those that prefer professional installation, you will find that any marine electronics installer has the skills to install your system.
If you would like to know more about this system, how extremely affordable it is or how to purchase one, visit the informative website built by Marine Guard Yacht Security at www.MarineGuardSecurity.com
Your Cell Phone & Computer is a Window into your Boat from Anywhere!
Until now if you wanted to protect and supervise your property you would turn to traditional security systems and alarm installation companies to find some peace of mind. You no longer have to buy both a security system and a CCTV system separately and you don't need a professional to install them for you.
The WatchMate System enables boat and RV owners to monitor security and supervisory conditions on board their vessels from anywhere they have access to a PC or cell phone. This amazing system is easy to set up as it is virtually plug and play.
The WatchMate internet gateway plugs into any free port on your computer network gateway. If your vessel doesn’t have internet, you can add it simply by installing a readily available EVDO cell card enabled wireless router. You run your cameras with Cat. 5 cable, to their desired mounting positions. The color pan and tilt cameras have passive infrared motion detectors built into them.
The bilge high water sensors, door / hatch contacts, temperature hi/lo sensors, siren and arm/disarm key-switch are all wireless units that can be mounted anywhere you would like them. Press the discovery button on each and your WatchMate internet gateway finds them and registers each on your gateways control menu.
You can logon anytime from anywhere in the world to check the status of your vessel, look inside and control the pan/tilt cameras, record video or take a snapshot and arm or disarm all or individual devices.
Once armed your WatchMate system looks for violations such as doors opening, motion in a camera protected area, temperatures higher or lower than you set on the temperature sensor, high water or loss of shore power. On violation your system begins archiving live video through its gateway and an off vessel server. You receive notification by cell text message and e-mail of the violation.
You can go to any PC or Java enabled cell phone and see live streaming video and control status of each of your WatchMate devices from anywhere in the world.
When you are aboard your boat, you can use your internet connection and PC or laptop to view up to four cameras simultaneously. This is handy for monitoring various areas from the bridge.
You will have full control of your device settings, arming, disarming, violation contact information, and camera control anytime you login. You also determine who is to be contacted on various type violations. This might be handy to call a dock master and/or your mechanic at the same time you are notified.
There is an available WatchMate DVR you can add to your system. Your DVR will record 24/7/30 even without violations and store accessible video on the off vessel server. You can access your DVR online anytime and view onboard activity
Learn more about this exciting breakthrough in state of the art boat security and surveillance through our Marine Guard Yacht Security website at: MarineGuardSecurity.Com
Looking like giant leaves floating in the sea, thousands of Golden Rays are seen here gathering off the coast of Mexico . The spectacular scene was captured as the magnificent creatures made one of their biannual mass migrations to more agreeable waters.
Gliding silently beneath the waves, they turned vast areas of blue water to gold off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula . Sandra Critelli, an amateur photographer, stumbled across the phenomenon while looking for whale sharks.
She said: 'It was an unreal image, very difficult to describe. The surface of the water was covered by warm and different shades of gold and looked like a bed of autumn leaves gently moved by the wind.
'It's hard to say exactly how many there were, but in the range of a few thousand'
'We were surrounded by them without seeing the edge of the school and we could see many under the water surface too. I feel very fortunate I was there in the right place at the right time to experience nature at its best'
Measuring up to 7ft (2.1 meters) from wing-tip to wing-tip, Golden rays are also more prosaically known as cow nose rays.
They have long, pointed pectoral fins that separate into two lobes in front of their high-domed heads and give them a cow-like appearance. Despite having poisonous stingers, they are known to be shy and non-threatening when in large schools.
The population in the Gulf of Mexico migrates, in schools of as many as 10,000, clockwise from western Florida to the Yucatan .
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Don't forget to share this with others! Let your friends enjoy the beauty of nature, too!
Paradox Marine Receives US Coast Guard Medal For Help With Stolen Boat Recovery Nav-Tracker 2.0 Located Stolen Boat In The Bahamas, Recovered By Coast Guard 12 Hours Later
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) – Wireless boat security systems supplier Paradox Marine has received a medal from the US Coast Guard in recognition of its innovative product, the NAV-TRACKER 2.0 GPS Tracking System. The system helped the Coast Guard recover a stolen boat in the Bahamas last September 17.
A 34-foot Contender equipped with the Paradox Marine Nav-Tracker 2.0 GPS tracking system, stolen from Marsh Harbor in the Bahamas, was located by the system and recovered in the vicinity by the US Coast Guard about 12 hours later.
Paradox Marine Nav-Tracker
When a Nav-Tracker 2.0 transmitter is mounted discreetly on a boat, a wireless ‘geo-fence’ with a 500-meter radius is created. If a boat is moved outside of this geo-fence, the Nav-Tracker 2.0 uses Inmarsat based GPS satellite technology to monitor a boat’s location and notify up to ten people by email and/or text message every 15 minutes with the latitude/longitude, speed, heading and distance to closest city.
As many as 27,000 boats are stolen annually and the odds of recovery are only about 1 in 10, according to the International Association of Marine Investigators. “With a NAV-TRACKER 2.0 onboard, we have experienced the successful recovery of vessels unharmed, sometimes in less than one hour,” said Jay Keenan, Paradox Marine Vice President.
The message transmitted from Nav-Tracker 2.0 on board the Contender when it was stolen would have been similar to this:
Message From Nav-Tracker 2.0 User: Paradox Marine Asset: M/Y Island Time Fleet: ETI Date/Time: 2006-07-25 15:06:28 (EDT) Event: Geo-fence breached; Location: 26.05767,-80.1303.3 (0.75 mi NE of Hollywood, FL 33019) Speed/heading: 9.2 Knots, 144 deg Google Earth Map: [KML]
On January 3rd of this year, a 35’ Fountain Executioner was also recovered with the help of a NAV-TRACKER 2.0 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just 54 minutes after being stolen.
Some insurance companies now require GPS tracking devices, like the NAV-TRACKER 2.0, to be installed on certain types of boats, including high performance boats and boats with triple high-horsepower outboards.
The NAV-TRACKER 2.0 is powered by Satamatics, a global telematics company, which provides customized, end-to-end tracking and monitoring solutions that will work anywhere in the world.
For more information about Nav-Tracker 2.0 and other Paradox Marine boat security, monitoring and tracking products, visit www.MarineGuardSecurity.com or call 360.588.2120
It's time to make the switch to 406 MHz EPIRBs (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon)! Satellite processing of distress signals by the U.S. Coast Guard on the 121 and 243 MHz bands will cease on February 1. Due to numerous false alerts and poor accuracy which degraded the reliability of lifesaving services, the decision was made by the international satellite-based search and rescue organization, COSPAS/SARSAT, nearly nine years ago to discontinue satellite coverage on these bands. With 406 MHz EPIRBs operating on a more reliable frequency, along with the required registration process, search and rescue agencies are able to respond quicker using the proper equipment, and pinpoint offshore boaters in distress. You can purchase a 406 MHz EPIRB for $700 retail or for short offshore trips, rent from the BoatUS Foundation for only $40 a week.
The MarineGuard 58 Security System (MG58) is designed for boats over 40 feet with access under the decking. The MG58C MarineGuard System includes the security control panel which is encased in epoxy to protect it from the harsh marine environment, a white siren to provide an audible alarm, two key-chain transmitters to arm and disarm the system and a chime mounted on a white switch plate, four Deck sensors, one large contact and one small contact.
The MarineGuard security systems are unique because they use Pulsor Deck Sensors. Mounted under a boat's decking, MarineGuard Deck Pulsor Sensors are invisible. Not only does this take an intruder by surprise, but it also does not take away from the boat's decor. Better yet the MarineGuard Pulsor Deck Sensors, when installed according to our direction, are virtually false-alarm free. Deck sensors detect the weight of a person walking on the deck, and will never false alarm from birds, boat movement or any environmental factors that trigger other types of security sensors.
The Deck Sensor is the most stable and versatile motion detector available anywhere!
The Sensor is completely invisible. It is mounted with epoxy to the underside of a boat's decking where it cannot be seen.
It is effective on almost any boat structure including wood, fiberglass, aluminum and steel.
The Deck Sensor is environmentally sealed.
It utilizes 22-gauge, marine-grade wire leads.
Deck Sensors sense only the unique flexing of the decking caused by a person's movement.
The Sensor will not false due to wind, the rocking of the boat or normal boat vibration.
They will not detect or respond to birds and are unaffected by sunlight.
You can use the MarineGuard systems as stand alone local alarms for audible and visual detection, or add GPS tracking and monitoring with MarineGuard cellular or satellite communicators.
Learn all about these incredible boat alarm systems that were built specifically for the marine environment at: www.MarineGuardSecurity.com
When one is working about the boat and dock, they could easily fall in. Make sure you have an exit strategy and not an "it wont happen to me" attitude. Extra caution should be taken in northern climates to assure your ability to get out of the water. Going in the drink with extra cloths on and cold temperatures could likely be fatal, if you can't muster the upper body strength to pull yourself out.
If your boat has a ladder on its swim platform, make sure it is down when your boat is tied to the dock. You may not be able to lower the ladder, if it is up when you are in the water. On my boat the dinghy rides on the swim platform, further restricting access to the platform.
A simple boarding ladder, available for about $40 from your local boat supply, is the answer. If you can't have it hanging on the end of your dock full time, just leave it on your swim platform for retrieval if needed. Secure it with some line to prevent it from being knocked off by visiting creatures.
Sometimes the simplistic fixes and some forethought are the best rescue tools we have at our disposal.
As a liveaboard I'm blessed with the opportunity to stay on top of vessel maintenance on a daily basis (it's never a problem finding something that needs to be done). I make sure to include vessel safety concepts and accident prevention into the daily rotation, and consider them as equally important. This can be as simple as putting fresh batteries in all detectors or as complex as designing a safety drill and rehearsing an emergency situation with my first mate until we feel comfortable with our response.
If you are a boat owner that uses your vessel only occasionally for recreation, I can only imagine that the little precious time you have onboard is consumed most often by the obvious needs and less by the invisible concerns.
Although carbon monoxide poisoning is a year round problem, this time of year needs to be considered high risk. With our vessels sealed tight to keep out the cold, the chance of CO building in cabins and on enclosed bridges increases drammaticly. Please take a moment to consider your CO detectors on your very next visit. This silent killer is so prevalent in our environment, that it deserves your prioritized consideration. Although any detector is better than none (It's the law on boats), be advised that devices that are designed for marine use are calibrated at a different standard than those designed for household use. Also many boat occupants mistake the early symptoms of CO poisoning, for sea sickness.
Here is an excellent example and some information you need as presented by: BoatUS
Source:BoatUS.org
A couple in Michigan arrived at their boat, started the gas generator, turned on the boat's electric heater, and set to work on a few end of the season projects. While they were working, carbon monoxide (CO) from the gas generator began creeping quietly into the main saloon somewhere down in the bilge.
Without a CO alarm, there was no way that the couple could have been aware-or even had the tiniest hint--that the deadly gas was mixing with the oxygen in the boat's cabin. CO is colorless, odorless, and it produces initial symptoms-drowsiness, headaches, nausea, or dizziness--that aren't especially alarming.
The unsuspecting couple soon "fell asleep," and would have died had it not been for the early arrival-almost two hours early-of their son. He quickly shut off the generator, opened ports, and phoned the rescue squad. They were extremely lucky; most CO claims have a much sadder outcome.
An investigation afterward concluded that the CO had come from a drain plug in the generator's muffler that had worked loose and lay in the bilge. The report also noted the lack of a CO detector aboard, which wasn't a surprise.
Of a dozen or so recent claims for CO fatalities or near fatalities in a boat's cabin, the lack of a CO detector is the only thing that all of them had in common.
CO can enter a cabin from many different sources, according to the claim files: from a hot water heater; from a galley stove; from the "station wagon effect"-exhaust from the boat's exhaust; from a generator; and even from other nearby boats. There have also been several injuries from people swimming under swim platforms when an engine or generator was being operated.
Certainly it is important to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, drowsiness, and nausea. With most of the BoatU.S. claims, one or more of these symptoms were present, but victims did not recognize the danger they were in.
It is also advisable to inspect the engine and generator for leaks in the exhaust system and to avoid, or try to avoid, the many different situations that could bring CO into a boat's cabin, that isn't easy. Besides the station wagon effect, accidents have been traced to wind direction, proximity to a dock or seawall, boats rafted together, an open hatch or port, a canvas cover, or combination of several causes.
It isn't unusual after an accident, for an inspection to spend many hours, or even days, trying to ascertain how CO got into a boat's cabin.
While guarding against the many possible sources of CO is certainly advisable, the most reliable safeguard is a CO detector. As of August 1, 1998 the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the organization that writes the voluntary standards for recreational boats, began recommending that all boats with enclosed accommodation areas and a gasoline generator or a gasoline inboard propulsion engine have a CO detector installed.
(Diesel engines are not included because they are much less likely to produce deadly levels of CO.) The recommendation that CO detectors be installed on new boats is great news for anyone who will be buying a new boat, but what about boats built before August 1998?
INSTALLING A CO DETECTOR: A FEW CONSIDERATIONS
One reason that ABYC may have been slow to recommend the use of CO detectors may be their reputation in the past for emitting unnerving false alarms periodically. You could almost count on a CO detector made prior to 1992, the older "single point" alarms, to sound whenever they detected even the slightest trace of CO.
Since a whiff or two of CO is likely to drift into a cabin several times a day, the frequent alarms were an ongoing nuisance. After 1992, however, manufacturers began making more technically advanced units that use "time-weighted averaging" to greatly reduce the number of alarms.
By averaging the CO over a period of a few minutes, these newer alarms will not sound unless they repeatedly detect CO.
Some of the newer units can even do things like disengage the generator if CO is detected. A proper marine CO detector, incidentally, will have the UL 1524 marine mark, which means it was tested by Underwriters Laboratories standard 1524.
ABYC does not say where on the boat a CO detector should be located. The gas, which is about the same weight as oxygen, tends to dissipate evenly in an area and isn't any more likely to be found up near the ceiling or down by the cabin sole.
As a practical matter, placing an alarm at eye level allows you to easily monitor any meters or warning lights on a unit.
Sleeping areas, main saloons, an enclosed fly-bridge, and anywhere else people spend time are candidates for a CO detector. Areas that should be avoided include near hatches or doors where fresh air might distort readings. Dead air spaces-corners-should also be avoided.
TAKING CO DETECTORS SERIOUSLY
While the older alarms were often a nuisance, the improved technology means that when a newer alarm sounds it should be investigated.
CO that drifts in and out of a cabin can be dangerous, since the effects of CO are cumulative and can build up gradually in a person's bloodstream over hours or even days before it reaches critical levels.
This is true even if when the person breathes fresh air periodically; the CO remains in the bloodstream. How quickly the CO builds up is a factor of the concentration of the gas being inhaled (measured in parts per million [PPM]) and the duration of the exposure.
The half-life of CO is approximately five hours, which means that it takes five hours for the level of CO in the blood to drop to half its level when exposure was terminated.
There is also some recent research challenges traditional thinking that the effects of CO poisoning are transitory. Studying 96 victims for one year beyond their exposure, researchers found over 25% showed evidence of brain damage 12 months after exposure. These long-term CO injuries can include apathy, memory loss, inattention, and depression.
How Much CO is Too Much? (In Parts Per Million (PPM)
200 PPM Slight headaches within two to three hours.
400 PPM Frontal headaches within one to two hours.
800 PPM Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 minutes. Insensible within two hours.
1,600 PPM Headache. Dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 30 minutes.
3,200 PPM Headache and dizziness within five minutes. Death within 30 minutes.
6,400 PPM Headache and dizziness within one to two minutes. Death in less than 15 minutes.
Shortly after she bought her 33' Egg Harbor, Terri Parrow, Vice President of Internet Operations at BoatU.S., took an action photograph of the boat as it went zooming by near Solomon's Island, Maryland.
The photo (above) turned out well, with a blue sky, puffy clouds, and lots of exciting spray.
The more she studied the photograph, though, the more it seemed that something was wrong. Then it dawned on her that the ship's ensign--the flag on the stern--is flapping forward, toward the two people on the flying bridge, Aren't flags supposed to point aft?
The canvas on the fly-bridge had just been added and when the flaps were closed exhaust from the boat's twin 340 hp gasoline engines was being sucked back into the cabin and onto the fly-bridge (the "station wagon effect). After seeing the photo, Terri made some changes.
First, she cruises with the forward canvas flaps and hatch on the foredeck opened slightly to keep fresh air flowing throughout the fly-bridge and cabin. And she also replaced one the boat's two CO detectors, which had been inoperable.
These two simple changes have saved her a lot of potential headaches, or worse, whenever the boat is underway.
Introducing SPOT – The World’s First Satellite Messenger
Whether you’re just checking in, allowing others to track your progress, or calling for help – SPOT gives you a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it. And since it utilizes 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don’t.
*Low-Cost satellite service subscription required.
This device is in my opinion one of the greatest new products to surface in these days of affordable high technology. If you own a boat, RV or airplane, travel, drive into remote areas, hike, camp, fish, hunt, ski or do any other outdoor activity, take time to look into getting this device.
In the short time SPOT has been on the market it has been credited for saving many lives. It has won some very prestigious awards as well.
Field & Stream Best of the Best Award2008
North American Hunting Club (NAHC) Member Tested Seal of Approval
Backpacker Magazine 2008 Editors' Choice Award
SAIL Magazine Freeman K. Pittman Innovation Award
Cabela’s 2008 Buyers’ Choice Gold Medal Award
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) 2008 Innovations Design and Engineering Award
The SPOT unit Size is just 4.38 X 2.75 X 1.5” (approx. 111 mm x 69 mm x 44 mm) and it's approximate Weight is a light 7.37 ounces (209 grams).
You purchase your unit from the manufacturer direct or one of its Authorized SPOT Dealers. The unit sells for around $169.00 US and the MAP (Minimum Allowed Advertised Price) is $149.99
Once you purchase your unit you login on the secure SPOT Website activation page to register your unit and start your annual subscription. The subscription fees are:
$99.99 USD/yr basic satellite service subscription and includes:
ALERT 9-1-1: Alerts the GEOS Emergency Response Center to your exact location.(Unlimited usage included.) When you activate this Alert by holding the 911 button in for 3 seconds, the GEOS Emergency Response Center begins rescue and extraction coordination. The unit tracks your every movement to a precise Long./Lat. and relays the location to the appropriate rescue authorities. Your main contact is kept informed throuhout the rescue process and if you are overseas, your countries consulate is notified and updated.
CHECK IN: Lets your contacts know where you are and that you’re okay. (Unlimited usage included.) I use this feature when my wife and I go cruising on our boat or traveling anywhere in the world to let our loved ones know where we are and that everything is going great. They appreciate that we're thinking of them and that they don't have to worry about us. As an added feature we can hold down the check in button for three seconds, which allows them to track our adventure and movement for 24 hrs. The trip is also stored on the SPOT website for future access and review. This makes a handy trip log for future float plans.
ASK FOR HELP: Request help from friends and family at your exact location.(Unlimited usage included.) This is helpful in those situations where you need help from a loved one or friend but don't want help from local police or rescue authorities. An example might be running out of gas in a remote area with no cell service. Your assigned contacts will get a text message requesting their help and a link to Google Earth Maps showing your exact location in the world so they can find you.
There are a couple of option plans that are available for your consideration at activation of your SPOT unit.
TRACK PROGRESS: $49.99/yr USD- Tracking Upgrade Option Sends and saves your location and allows contacts to track your progress using Google Maps™.
GEOS Search & Rescue Benefit $7.95/yr USD if purchased at initial activation. ($150.00/yr USD if purchased after initial activation)- Provides up to $100,000 USD of additional search and rescue resources, including helicopter extraction around the world and reimbursement benefits – underwritten by Lloyd’s of London – for any emergency service expenses incurred. For more information, including terms and conditions, visithttp://www.geosalliance.com/sar
Many of the SPOT systems registered rescues are due to the diligence of someone purchasing the unit for a loved one as a gift. There are a couple of testimonials where the unit saved the life of the person just days after receiving it. (talk about good timing!)
Think about how many people you know that can benefit from this affordable and must have device. Think about the peace of mind to be gained by both the user and contacts.
This is the PERFECT GIFT to give to yourself or someone you care about. Learn more about it by visiting: http://www.findmespot.com/home.aspx
OK times are tough, admitted. We listen to the doomsday reports on the daily news, everyone is talking about it. Some folks are pulling money out of the bank and squirreling it away. Others hold on hoping the newly elected president is going to wave his magic wand and put an end to the worry.
If you clear your mind enough from the barrage of bad news for a couple of minutes and realize that there are two sides to every story (but the other side doesn’t sell newspapers), you will realize that there is hope for you yet. Let’s explore the other side, shall we?
·When I was a kid gas was about 50 cents a gallon, and it was better gas too!
Yes, but your car only got 10 miles to the gallon and it had no safety features, except a lap strap to maybe keep your dead body with the car.
·Bread was only 25 cents a loaf back in the day.
They advertised that it helped your body grow about a dozen ways but turns out it had zero nutrition.
·You never had a fear of losing your job; you could work in one place forever.
They didn’t pay much, that’s why bread was .25 and gas .50
·The prices at the big box stores are even getting out of hand these days.
Start supporting your neighbors by shopping local so you will keep them from going out of business, and turning those big box stores into monopolies.
·Once upon a time you could buy a home for $30,000.00
That same home sells for $250,000.00+ today. Nice profit!
·The grocery store prices are killing me
Eat out once in a while; if you stay away from the fanciest restaurants, it can actually be cheaper than making the same meal at home, and you might keep another neighbor from closing their business.
I won’t beat a dead horse any longer. All I ask is that you find a reason to smile! It’s not change that’s making you fear, its likely fear of change that’s making you nervous.
Be willing step out of the box and do something different for a while. It’s our ability to adapt that strengthens us and makes us better prepared for what comes our way. If you’re not stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something new each day, then you are not going to be ready when change is forced upon you.If things aren’t changing then beware, the world has stopped turning.
I promise you that the glass is half full and you’re going to be just fine (unless you would rather be miserable).
When I decided to expand my lifetime of residential electronic security knowledge into the marine security world, I was absolutely amazed at how many alarm manufacturers were attempting to pawn off the systems they designed for normal residential and commercial use, as” Marine Security Systems.” As a boating enthusiast myself, with a vessel in the great Pacific Northwest, I knew that most things in life don’t hold up to the marine environment that we keep our boats in. That’s precisely why we buy most replacement parts from a marine parts purveyor and not an auto parts dealer, unless we don’t care how long they last.
I began my research by asking myself “how can these systems be marine alarms, if they aren’t modified in any way to withstand the harsh environment?” After inspection of many units and specifications, the answer was clear. They are not worthy of being called marine security systems!
Without being designed to withstand environmental issues such as salt and/or damp air, constant vibration, temperature extremes, etc. the systems will likely not be functioning soon after the warranty expires. To be truly a marine grade security system, you need to design the product from the ground up, just for the purpose they will be functioning in. Marine alarm system controls should be housed in NMEAIII enclosures (rated for water resistance), have all the electronics coated and potted, and have an epoxy seal over all the components that are necessary for function, but not needed for user interface.
The blatant misuse of common household motion detectors is a disaster when used on boats. When using these devices, the bumping of a vessel on a dock,the window treatments swaying as the boat moves in the wakes and winds, the extreme amount of sunlight that lands on the vessel, creatures entering protected areas, etc. will do little more than cause constant false alarms. Instead motion should be detected by hidden pressure sensors placed under decks and ladders, to warn of intruders boarding the vessel. If interior cabin motion detectors are used at all, they need to be dual technology devices that are designed to need two technology violations in order to be used in boats. In addition to the pressure sensors protecting the decks, marine grade contacts should be placed on doors, hatches and lockers, preventing entry into restricted areas.
Additional devices that are made just for boat security systems, which will help you, supervise important boat systems include:
·Bilge sensors (high water detectors in case of bilge pump failure)
·AC detectors (monitors shore power)
·DC detectors (monitors low battery banks)
·Temperature detectors (monitors temperature extremes in cabins and engine rooms)
·Smoke detectors (early interior fire protection)
·GPS tracking antennas (monitors boat movement, speed, coarse and heading)
·Sounder chimes (lets you know of violations when your below, with the system disarmed)
You can use your marine alarm as a standalone system that will warn of violations with a loud siren and flashing lights, or you can add a monitoring device for remote notification.
It’s important to make sure that your monitoring device is also designed specifically for the marine environment, just as the alarm control and all its devices should be.
Here are some available marine alarm systems, monitoring options:
Cellular: A cellular communicator is triggered from your alarm system, by a security or supervisory violation. The cellular communicator determines which numbers are to be called, (based on the type of signal) and notifies you via text message of the violation. The cellular communicators use a pre-paid SIM card that you keep a desired amount of minutes on, and recharge over the phone as needed with your credit card. On some marine systems, the cellular communicators will both text message you, and give you a voice message of the exact condition if you answer the phone. These types of units will also allow you to enter commands for arming/disarming the system, turning lights and appliances on/off, and even listen in on the vessel and talk to onboard parties via the alarm control and your cell phone. You can also add a GPS unit to these cellular units for vessel tracking via the internet. Cellular units are best used on inland waters and in places where the boat will not be away from a cell towers reach, or in roaming conditions.
Satellite:These units monitor all conditions as above with the cellular units, but have worldwide communications capability. These units have GPS tracking ability as well. They require a satellite subscription which gives you a personal webpage for your boat. The unit texts you if there are any violations and will allow you completely control tracking and vessel systems through the website. Some systems combine cellular control and reporting with satellite trackers for when the vessel is out of cell range.
Internet Protocol: This type of system texts and emails you of vessel alarm and supervisory conditions. You must have internet access onboard to use these systems. Internet onboard can be accomplished with wireless routers, express cards, EVDO cards (laptop cards), and satellite communications. These systems allow you complete control of system devices, lighting and appliance controls and motion sensing video cameras both inside and outside of your vessel. Imagine the satisfaction of being able to not only know that someone is on your boat but being able to see them as well, through streaming video to your PC or Java enabled cell phone. These units store video of violations, on an off vessel server. Even if the unit itself was stolen, you would still have video of who did it. These units require a monthly server subscription for access to the web page that controls your vessels systems.
I have developed a comprehensive website where you can learn all about the finest available systems that have been designed just for the marine environment. You will also find pricing and availability of your perfect system, while enjoying the detailed specifications of the various systems.
Use the link below for a visit and get all your questions answered there!
This product wins my beauty in simplicity award. With fuel prices soaring to highs never before experienced by most of us, crimes of fuel theft are on the rise. Our boats and RV’s are often easy targets for this type of crime. My own vessel carries 600 gallons of diesel which would be a substantial loss of money if I was to be siphoned by a quiet theft in the night.
In researching products to prevent this, my mind was on electronic devices that could be attached to vessel security systems. I laughed out loud when I found such a simple solution that could be easily used by anyone with a boat, RV, car or any other fuel holding vehicle. (Product is under $35.00 US)
Here is the information about the product on the Ahoy Captain website: www.ahoycaptain.com
Ahoy captain is an online retail seller of this product.
Vetus Fuel Safe Anti Siphon "Spider"
Protect your fuel supply and gain peace of mind. It is a sad fact of life that fuel prices have risen to such a level that siphoning the fuel from your boat is now an attractive proposition for thieves. With many boats holding hundreds of gallons of fuel, this is a lucrative activity.
In its range of practical accessories, VETUS has introduced a simple device to prevent a siphon hose being inserted into the deck filler and down into the tank
The VETUS "Fuel Safe" is supplied in a plastic tube, which is used to insert it quickly and easily into the fuel filler hose. There is no requirement to dismantle anything and the ingenious design ensures that it cannot subsequently be removed.
This synthetic device is suitable for both diesel and gasoline and it fits filling hoses of both 38 mm (1 ½") and 51 mm (2") internal diameter. There is no noticeable reduction in fuel flow when filling the tank.
Think about the value of the fuel in your tank or the inconvenience and danger of running out unexpectedly?
Features
* Simple installation * No dismantling required * Suitable for hoses with I.D. of 1-1/2'' (38mm) and 2'' (51mm). * Made of diesel & gasoline resistant synthetic * Dimensions: 2-3/16''x2-13/16'' www.MarineGuardSecurity.com Matthew Lombardi
When we looked for a hardwired system to serve in the marine environment, we were shocked at how many modified home security systems were being marketed as marine systems. The MarineGuard system and equipment was developed ground up specifically for and with a deep understanding of what the marine environment is. From its NMEA III enclosure to its potted and epoxy coated components, it is precisely what is needed to protect and watch over your vessel in your absence.
The manufacturer of the system Sure Action Inc. is the inventor of the deck sensor, a small pressure sensor that is hidden under decks and ladders. The deck sensor is immune to birds, sun, rain, the rocking of the boat and the boat banging against the dock. They are the only motion detection device of its kind in the industry. The deck sensors are used in pairs to balance the system. Three different pulsars are manufactured specifically for fiberglass decks, wood decks & all gunwales and steel/aluminum decks. The control has a 24 hr bilge zone, (2 or 4) dedicated deck sensor zones and (3 )additional hardwired zones for any other normally open security and supervisory equipment you would like to add to your system.
The MG58 can handle up to (8) eight deck sensors and the MG54 handles up to (4) four deck sensors. Each control comes with (1) Outdoor Siren, a (4) channel wireless receiver, (2) keychain remotes for arming and disarming, (1) chime-plate with on / off switch to announce visitors and (2) LED’s for alarm status. Most of the packages include (2) to (4) deck sensors and (2) contacts as well.
Add a contact to doors and hatches to the interior for additional perimeter protection. The contacts come in four different styles. (Large) for wide gap hatches, (Small) for tight door protection, (Recessed) for hidden contacts and (wireless) for areas that you can’t get a wire to.
Add an optional Bilge Sensor & Sounder for high water detection.
Add an optional Pet Immune Dual Technology Passive Infrared Motion Detector for high security interior applications.
Add an optional Photo Electric Beam for applications where you can’t get pulsor’s under the decks of an uncovered fly-bridge, that you want to be protected.
You can use your system as a stand alone local system or you can add a MarineGuard Monitoring device to give you 24/7 contact with your boats security and supervisory devices.
For boats that are restricted to inland waters or will always be in a cell coverage area, the MarineGuard Cellular Communicator works with a prepaid SIM card. It will send a report to your e-mail and text your cell phone on any violation.
For everywhere in the world coverage, you would add the MarineGuard Satellite Transponder. This device will bounce any violation signal off of a satellite to your e-mail and cell phone.
You will be able to set a Geo-Fence (Virtual Fence) around your boat with either of these reporting systems from your computer. If the boat moves out of your Geo-Fence you will be alerted immediately. You will than have the ability to track your vessels location, speed and heading from any computer.
There is a monthly fee to monitor these devices based on what frequencies of reports you want. The basic package is (1) one report daily and during every violation. You can choose to receive a report up to hourly for high security applications. Examples of the monitoring packages are listed on our “Services” page.
There is also a monitoring central station option for the owner that needs a professional operator to receive and dispatch assigned responders to alarms and supervisory conditions.
There is nothing more dependable than a hardwired system that is designed just for the marine environment. Many boat owners are capable of doing installations themselves and they will find the MarineGuard System to be straight forward and easy to install. For those that prefer professional installation, you will find that any marine electronics installer has the skills to install your system.
Your meticulous about vessel maintenance and onboard safety devices such as radar, chart plotters, engine monitoring systems, life rafts, life jackets, ditch bags, first aid kits etc.
Why is it that you are willing to leave the dock without filing a float plan? I will take a guess that 90% of recreational boaters make a habit of cruising without one, 100% of the time.
The prudent skipper understands that they always have room to learn more about safety and protection of their vessel and its guests. They will practice emergency drills such as man overboard, docking and anchoring in adverse conditions, making a mayday call, fire drills, soft and hard groundings, sudden weather changes and the like, before they need to use them. The calmness and communication skills of captain and crew are evident when the vessel captains insist on training schedules with permanent and temporary crew as well.
Even the most prepared skippers will find themselves in a situation that was not expected. It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when! In addition to remaining calm and activating your practiced safety drills, you will need to have a float plan filed as an extra insurance plan.
If your radios are not functioning, there are no vessels in sight to see your signals for help and your world is now defined by surviving the crises at hand, it is imperative that someone else is watching your back via your float plan.
A float plan is easy to file with a friend, boating club, dock master, family member, friend or any other responsible party that you can think of who will make sure you are on schedule. If you are not, they will be able to have all the information necessary to activate search and rescue assistance as needed.
Here are a few organizations that have Float Plans for you to print and fill out:
You can also use a device such as a SPOT personal satellite device (very affordable) to check in with loved ones and let them know you are OK and on schedule, via satellite from anywhere in the world. Learn about SPOT here.
If you are going on a long cruise or just out for the day. If you have a mega yacht, a trailer boat or even a kayak, I implore you to file a float plan with someone before leaving. You can never be too safe!
NOTE: Just as important as filing a float plan is closing it when you arrive where you are going or get back to the dock or trailer.
This lifesaving practice costs you nothing but a minute of your time. Not a bad price when it comes to life safety is it?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 5, 2009 Contact: Jay Keenan 1+954.565.9898 ext. 301 jay@paradoxmarine.com
Tracking Device Leads Florida Sheriff's Department To Stolen Boat Within 60 Minutes
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) – A 35-foot Fountain equipped with the Nav-Tracker 2.0 wireless boat location and GPS tracking system from Paradox Marine helped the Broward County, Florida Sheriff's Department recover the $200,000 boat within 60 minutes on Saturday (January 3).
Boat owner Alberto Verdesi had installed the Nav-Tracker system in October. About 6 am ET on Saturday morning, Nav-Tracker sent a text message to Verdesi's cell phone that his boat was on the move without his permission and where it was headed. He called the Broward Sheriff's Department, which dispatched a helicopter to locate the boat. When the helicopter flew over the location, the thieves ran off, but the $200,000 boat was recovered in good shape.
CONTACTS FOR THE ABOVE STORY
Broward County (Florida) Sheriff’s Department : 1+954-831-8900 Boat owner contact: Rich Cipullo (the owner, Alberto Verdesi, does not speak good English) 1+754-273-2290 Paradox Marine: Jay Keenan (office) 954-565-9898 x 301
When a Nav-Tracker 2.0 transmitter is mounted discreetly on a boat, a wireless ‘fence’ with a 500-foot range is created. If a boat is moved outside of this fence, Nav-Tracker 2.0 uses Inmarsat based GPS satellite technology to monitor a boat’s location and notify up to four people by email and/or text message every 15 minutes with the latitude/longitude, speed and heading.
As many as 27,000 boats are stolen annually, according to the International Association of Marine Investigators. “Alarms and other deterrents are not enough. However, with Nav-Tracker on board, if your boat is stolen, there's a very good chance you'll get it back,” said Jay Keenan, Paradox Marine Vice President of Marketing.
The message transmitted from Nav-Tracker 2.0 on board the Fountain 35 when it was stolen would have been similar to this:
Message From Nav-Tracker 2.0 User: Paradox Marine Asset: M/Y Island Time Fleet: ETI Date/Time: 2006-07-25 15:06:28 (EDT) Event: Geo-fence breached; Location: 26.05767,-80.1303.3 (0.75 mi NE of Hollywood, FL 33019) Speed/heading: 9.2 Knots, 144 deg Google Earth Map: [KML]
Some insurance companies now require GPS tracking devices to be installed on certain types of boats, including high performance boats and boats with triple high-horsepower outboards.
For more information about Nav-Tracker 2.0 and other Paradox Marine boat security, monitoring and tracking products, visit www.marineguardsecurity or call 1+360-588-2120.
The BoatNanny™... ...is a wireless remote boat alarm system that anyone can install in less than 30 minutes. When an alarm is activated, the systems will text message your cell phone and/or send you an email. The system communicates with your cell phone using a factory-installed GSM SIM card for under $10 per month. For an additional $15 per month, use our business partner NationWide Digital Monitoring for 24/7 coverage that will telephone up to three people if something occurs.
Since The BoatNanny™... ...is a wireless portable system and not a fixed hard wired system; it can also be used to monitor your home, cottage, business, plane, RV and camper.
The BoatNanny™ ... ...can also allow you to receive up to 15% discount on boat insurance.
Alarm System Monitors: • High water alarm • AC/DC power • Temperature in cabin/engine • Onboard fire/smoke alarm • Motion & intruders • Audio levels - (listen in on cabin’s activities)
Power • Base unit is powered by 120VAC or the ship’s 12-24 volts DC systems with built-in rechargeable battery back-up. • Remote unit is powered by 2 AA alkaline batteries (guaranteed for 1 year). • BoatNanny™ consumes little power (50mA) and can be used on small vessels on moorings or at slips with no AC power.
Installation / Programming • Easy to program; just send a command text message to the BoatNanny™ and it will text or email you if alarm is tripped. • Can program up to three different contacts if alarm is activated. • Daily status reports on all boat parameters are sent by text message to your cell phone.
Fees • No monthly monitoring fees. • Simply buy a phone card from a GSM cellular carrier such as Cingular or T-Mobile. • Rental programs available.
Note For your convenience, The Paradox Marine staff will install a pre-activated SIM card. Just provide us with (up to three) cell phone numbers that you want an alarm message to be sent to and your BoatNanny™ will work right out of the box. Nothing to program or install, just plug it in!!! No fee for the programming/installation of SIM card. Service is offered by Datablaze/T-Mobile and includes 300 text messages per month for under $10.
This is what an unauthorized visitor will be able to see if they attempt to enter your vessel!
I wrote about fog machines before as an integration into your vessel security plan, but this systems features take the technology to the next level. Alarm systems go a long way in protecting your vessel from intruders, but after they have been detected and a response has been activated, what will the creeps take with them before they run? If you have a FlashFog system by Arias Tech. installed, the answer is likely NOTHING! (maybe a pant load)
The FlashFog system is triggered by your marine security system or remotely by you and comes in various sizes to fit your vessel. The protection area ranges from 900 sq. ft. of coverage to 2,420 sq. ft. depending on which model you choose.
The name FlashFog is no accident. Each fog unit includes a standard high intensity strobe that increases the unpleasant emotions a burglar realizes when attempting entry.
Integrated with your vessels alarm system the FlashFog unit arms and safeguards from false alarms with "smart intruder confirmation" technology. If an actual intruder is detected, the FlashFog unit releases a non toxic and no residue thick fog that is harmless to onboard electronics.
Your vessel will be totally fogged in with non transparent fog within 10 seconds of activation, making it impossible for the intruder to enter or stay for a quick grab of your very expensive electronics and other personal items. This would include you if you were onboard, helping to safeguard yourself from pirates.
The thick fog lasts for about 45 minutes without ventilation or about 20 minutes in an aired out environment.
You can add a FlashFog SoundWall to add an additional level of "Get Out Of Here NOW!" to your system. The SoundWall is a very unbearable 125 db. device. That is much louder than you think. This is no ordinary siren!
Here is a db. comparison from the US Department of Labor, to show you how loud it is.
65db. Normal Conversation
75db. Average Factory
80db. Loud Music
90db. Beginning of unsafe levels
110db. Jet airplane taking off
125db=Soundwall sound barrier
130db. Extreme pain threshold
150db. Immediate hearing loss
Want to learn more about this amazing product and what it can do for you?
FlashFog Security Fogger A division of Arias Tech. Ltd. 375 Brunel Rd. Mississauga L4Z 1Z5 Ontario Canada 905.502.0249 888.282.7740
If you would like a spec. sheet on the products, pricing or information on integrating it into a vessel security system on your boat, contact me at : MarineGuardSecurity.com
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