Good Fog?

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

Fire Safety Tips: Marina Fire Safety

Marina fires are violent and devastating events. They are difficult and dangerous fires to fight. Marina fires can progress so rapidly that firefighters can only hope to limit their growth. Rapid extinguishment of a fire of this nature is not likely. The real opportunity to save lives and property lies in prevention.

Most boat owners and marina managers only think about fire prevention after news stories have aired pictures of boats on fire and interviews with distraught owners. After the flames are doused there is much more for marina managers and boat owners to contend with. Insurance claims are just the start of a lengthy clean-up and rebuilding process.

These facts emphasize the need to prevent fires from starting. Protecting our marine investments is only possible if all of those involved work together. Marina fire prevention should be of utmost concern for marina managers and boat owners alike.

Many boat owners do not have the knowledge or skills to recognize fire hazards that may exist aboard their boats. The greatest opportunity to prevent a fire is to educate boat owners to recognize hazards for the safety of the marina. Marina managers are best positioned to provide fire safety information to their tenants through a variety of methods, including classes, newsletters and mailings. A marina occupied by knowledgeable and caring occupants will be a safer marina.

Fire Prevention for Boat Owners

Most marina fires start aboard an individual boat. Many of the common fire prevention tips for homes apply to boats too.

• When choosing a marina, check around for fire protective measures such as fire extinguishers, cleanliness, clear dock passageways, security, good lighting, etc. If you don’t feel safe, take your boat and your business elsewhere.
• Use Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) marine approved cordsets and connections. Do not hook up if you see burn marks or your cordset will not firmly connect.
• Routinely replace cordsets. Worn or overloaded cordsets and damaged shore power connections are a common cause of fires.
• Regularly inspect electrical and fuel systems. Have a professional upgrade the wiring to maintain the needs of your navigational equipment and other appliances.
• Never leave operating electrical equipment, including heaters, unattended. When leaving your boat for any reason turn portable heaters off.
• Smoke alarms are important life saving devices and should be installed in your boat.

Fire Extinguishers

Properly operated, fire extinguishers can help stop a small fire before it has a chance to grow out of control. Coast Guard approved extinguishers required for boats are hand portable, either B-I or B-II classification and have a specific marine type-mounting bracket. Look for the part of the label that says “Marine Type USCG”. It is recommended the extinguishers be mounted in a readily accessible position, away from the areas where a fire could likely start, such as the galley or the engine compartment.

Remember the P.A.S.S. Word

There are four basic steps to using a fire extinguisher.

Pull the safety pin by grabbing the ring and twisting.
Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep the hose from side to side while discharging
and Be Prepared

Training and practice are the best ways to prepare for emergencies. Make certain you know the P.A.S.S. system and understand how to safely use a fire extinguisher before you ever need to.

• Don’t force yourself to fight a fire that makes you uncomfortable or puts you at risk.
• Fire extinguishers are small quick fixes. If you are unable to put out the fire with one extinguisher, leave.
• Don’t let the fire come between you and your exit. Keep your back to the exit and the fire in front of you.

Personal Flotation Device

More than 90% of boating-related deaths are from drowning. And 80% of those drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device or PFD! Anytime anyone is boating, there’s a chance of falling overboard.

Washington State Law (RCW 79A.60.160) requires PFDs for each person aboard a vessel operating on Washington State waters. Each PFD should be in good condition, of an appropriate size, and readily accessible. A PFD is not considered readily accessible for children twelve years old and under unless the child wears it. Children must wear a PFD whenever the vessel is underway and the child is on an open deck or open cockpit of the vessel.

When buying a PFD, always check the labels to make sure the U.S. Coast Guard approves it. Pick a life jacket that fits you, and fits the type of boating you will be doing. For your PFD to work, it has to be kept in good condition. Always air-dry your PFD thoroughly before stowing it. Check it twice a year for mildew, leaks, insecure straps, or hardened stuffing.
Life jacket, life-vest, PFD, or personal flotation device. No matter what you call it, it won’t work if you don’t wear it. Don’t take chances, wear your PFD!

Marina Emergency Response Plan

It is important to take the time to prepare for a fire emergency. An emergency response plan should respond to the risk of fire as well as outline the responsibilities of staff and boat owners.

Establish a safety committee to develop an emergency plan that outlines the actions staff should follow in the event of a fire and the training guidelines needed to maintain their readiness. The following list includes many of the elements that should be included in your plan:

1. Call 911 to report the emergency.
2. Evacuate boaters and guests.
3. Shut off all electrical power to the fire area.
4. Shut down the fuel dock.
5. Move adjacent boats away from the fire area but don’t untie burning boats to drift away.
6. Move any vehicles that may obstruct firefighting operations.
7. Assign personnel to direct incoming emergency responders to the right location and remain available as an information resource.
8. Work with Fire Department personnel during the development of your plan. Firefighters can assist you with procedural decisions and you can help them by providing pre-fire information particular to your marina.
9. Train staff to make decisions based on the plan. Training should include how to report a fire, conduct an evacuation, and extinguish a fire using on-site firefighting equipment as applicable. If you expect staff to use equipment, you need to provide the training to safely and properly use each piece.
10. Schedule drills for marina employees at least twice a year. Drills allow employees the opportunity to test and practice the marina emergency response plan. Drills also provide an opportunity to update and change the plan as needed. No matter how detailed or basic, the plan should be written down and updated regularly.

Have You Visited Your Boat Lately?

As a live aboard, I'm fortunate enough to be able to keep an eye on my vessel at all times and notice small problems before they become big ones. It amazes me how many boat owners don't pay attention to their "summertime toys" during this time of the year. As I walked down my dock today I noticed canvas is blowing off on a couple of boats, one in the water dinghy is full of water, a pull tube has blown into the water and is hanging on to the master vessel only because its line got caught up in the cockpit.

Many vessels are loaded with snow and ice on decks and bridge canvas tops. I have shoveled my boat and dock three times in the last week and I have only seen about 7 owners show up to check on their boats, amongst a few hundred vessels. Below is a post from Hilary Reeves in the Business Examiner that hits the mark. Owners, I know its hard to get out to the marina with the condition our roads are in right now, but with slightly warmer weather this week the snow is getting wet and heavy! Make an effort to check on your boat.

If anyone would like me to take a look at their boat in Skyline Marina, Anacortes and report back on how she is doing, it would be my pleasure to help.

Matthew

Source BE Daily Blog:
Hilary Reeves
Dec. 24, 2008 at 1:05pm

Snow swamps boats

While they're enjoying a holiday break, boatowners might want to check on their vessel. Snow accumulation can weigh a boat down and rain falling onto a boat covered with snow or slush can add even more dangerous weight to the vessel.

"We're seeing many boats, covered in snow, riding low in the water," said Zach Gaston, a department spill responder. "If you have a boat moored on the water, go out and sweep off the snow. Better to do that than having to raise a sunken boat."

A boat owner in up north faces an unplanned post-Christmas expense as crews work to re-float a cabin cruiser that sank at its mooring under the weight of snow at Shelter Bay Marina, near La Conner. The state Department of Ecology oversaw efforts to contain the spread of diesel fuel from the vessel's submerged fuel tank vents.

As with all environmental contaminating events, DOE may look to recover its costs from property owners or others responsible for the damage.

Driveway Alerts Are Perfect Outdoor Motion Detectors For Your Boat

I have received an increase in calls lately looking for a simple motion system that can easily be placed on a flybridge or in a cockpit and notify onboard boat owners of a boarding. Naturally these callers are looking into marine alarms to resolve their specific need, however after talking with some of them, the systems I offer are more sophisticated than what they are looking for.

If you are looking for such a system you can find what you are looking for in the arena of "driveway alert motion detectors." The detectors themselves are in weatherproof enclosures and can withstand the outdoor environment they will be used in. They are wireless with long range radios in them and can be mounted anywhere. The receiver is plugged in down below and will warn you of motion in the remote motion detectors area of protection when armed. They can even report motion on the dock if placed there.

One of my favorite units is the "Reporter". (pictured above) If you have continuous shore power or an inverter for AC power while at anchor, this is a great product. You can read more about it and purchase one at The Home Security Store.

If you don't have AC power and want a battery oporated detector and receiver, look at the various available system options on the Home Security Store driveway alert page.

You can easily wire in a siren, powerd by your 12 vdc system to add a loud warning to your motion system.

Of course nothing matches the protection, supervisory and monitoring features your vessel would get from the Marine Security Systems we carry at MarineGuardSecurity.com but if your looking for a simple solution for an onboard alert system, the driveway alerts are perfect for the marine environment.

Your Yachts Existing Cameras Can Be Monitored By You Over The Internet!

New Analog To Digital Converter From Paradox Marine Allows Internet Viewing Of Onboard Yacht CCTV Surveillance Images

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) –Boat security systems supplier Paradox Marine has introduced a analog to digital (A/D) converter to enable yacht owners and captains to view images captured by onboard CCTV surveillance cameras over the Internet.

Analog to Digital

The new A/D converter (inset in photo at left) connects to the Paradox Marine WatchMate yacht monitoring system, which enables monitoring of conditions on board from anywhere on a PC or mobile phone with Internet access.

“Many boats already have surveillance cameras on board, but the signal is analog so there’s no way to view the images remotely. Our new A/D converter solves this problem,” said Jay Keenan, Paradox Marine Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

Marine WatchMate, introduced at the Miami International Boat Show earlier this year, allows users to watch live video of their yacht, be alerted if temperature rises above a pre-set level, if water is detected in bilge or living areas, if motion is detected in a private area, or even if the yacht loses shore power.

The system is virtually plug n' play and easy to set up.

Marine Watchmate features:

• Cameras for live video monitoring from anywhere (cabin & deck available)

• Water sensors for bilge and living areas

• Temperature sensors for salon & engine room

• Motion & door sensors to secure your yacht when you're away

• Power controls for lighting, HVAC and appliances

• Sirens alert you when sensors are triggered

• Battery backup alerts you when shore power is lost

• Provides internet access for remote email

For more information about Marine WatchMate and other Paradox Marine boat security, monitoring and tracking products, visit www.MarineGuardSecurity.com or call (360) 588-2120.

Holiday Security Tips Help Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe

Holiday Security Tips

Boat owners count on Marine Guard Yacht Security to help secure their vessels. We also want you to know that there are many things you can do at home and while traveling to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Be cautious at all times due to an increase in criminal activity, especially during the holidays.

• When traveling put your office address and cell phone numbers on your luggage tags. A baggage handler will know that you are not home.

• Remove all address information from your parked car at the airport. Anyone who breaks into your vehicle would know you are not home and have your address and garage door opener.

• Stop delivery of mail and newspapers while you are away

• Leave shades and blinds in their normal position while you are traveling.

• Park a car in your driveway if available so that it looks like you are home.

• A quality deadbolt lock on all perimeter doors is always your first line of defense. A door is most often the point of entry for an intruder. If you don’t have a quality lock the perpetrator knows that a good blow will break the non-fortified wood that is holding the door lock cylinder in place. A quick entry and closing of the door hides the damage, as it will be on the inside.

• If you just moved in to your home or business, you should change the key cylinders on all locks, as you don’t know who has a copy of the key.

• Cut the cord handle off your electric garage door openers. It’s easy to push the top of your garage door in enough to put a wire hanger in and hook the release handle. By pulling on the handle, a burglar will override the screw or chain drive and be able to manually lift the overhead door. Once protected by the privacy of your garage, entry to the home is inevitable. Be sure to leave just enough cord so that you can use it from inside if needed, but not enough to reach the top of the overhead door!

• Burglars hate light. You should replace outside perimeter lighting with motion activated lamps. These are very inexpensive these days and readily available at most hardware and electronic stores. The protection they will provide coupled with the convenience of having a well lit area to come home to, make them a must have.

• Place timers on a few of your inside lights to give the appearance that someone is home. It is always smart to vary the time every few days so that a pattern is not realized, if you are being cased. X10 makes a variable timer that will change the timing for you automatically.

• If your last name is posted on your mailbox, a burglar can get your listed phone number from information. By ringing your phone with no answer, they would be able to assume that you are not home.

• Turn down the volume on your answering machine so that burglars can’t hear that no one’s home if the phone should ring.

• Don’t hide keys outside your home, as they will be found. Leave a spare with a trusted neighbor instead.

• Leaving ladders and tools outside your home can trigger a burglar’s impulse, even if that was not on the schedule today.

• When leaving your home for daily routine, be sure to vary times and direction of travel. Your repetitive actions are a gift to potential burglars who are always on the prowl for their next victim.

• Remove or place a light on shrubs that can easily conceal a waiting burglar from site.

• When you buy new appliances like televisions or stereo’s and computers be sure to hide or destroy the boxes. New valuables are an invitation to a burglar’s already distorted senses.

• Don’t ever tell a stranger that you are home alone.

• Install a peep hole viewer, if you do not have a convenient window to check who is at your door before opening it to a stranger.

• If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency take the information through closed doors and inform them that you will make the call for them.

• If you see signs of entry, DO NOT ENTER the house. Go to the neighbors, to call for help and be on the lookout for strange cars or people near your home. Always keep your cell phone in your bedroom with you. If the phone lines are cut you will need it to call for help.

• Don’t leave a purse, wallet or laptop on the counters that can be seen from a window. This will almost always trigger a forced entry.

• Security signs without corresponding security company stickers on the windows, may lead a passing burglar to believe that you don’t really have an alarm system installed.

• Don't leave notes on the door telling someone that you are not home and what time you will be back.

• Keep your hotel door plastic key passes with you and destroy them when you are done with your stay. They have all your personal information on the magnetic strip. A card reader in the hands of the wrong person can retrieve the encoded information.

• If your car remote has a panic button on it you should keep it on you nightstand while sleeping. If you hear a strange noise at night you can set off your car alarm and scare off a potential burglar.

The Experts Know! would like you to always be safe. Remember to be proactive instead of reactive!

Do you have a security tip you would like to add to our list? let us know! Want to learn more about Home Security? visit www.TeachMeAlarms.com

For The Vessel Master That Wants Security, Surveillance and Tracking

Insight does it all!

MARINE MAGELLAN INSIGHT GPS
Wireless, Security, Monitoring, Tracking & Surveillance

Marine Magellan Insight Wireless Boat Security, Monitoring & Surveillance System with GPS Satellite Tracking and Complete Internet Monitoring.

This package includes all the components necessary to help protect your boat and keep an eye on exactly what is happening onboard at all times. You will be notified of high water in the bilge, low battery voltage, loss of shore power, smoke or heat detection and intrusion or theft of your vessel. In the event your boat is stolen, you will be updated every 15 minutes with the vessel’s speed, heading, latitude and longitude, and distance to closest city.

Never be out of range again. Connected to the internet through the Ericsson W25 or the Tellular SX7T this system gives you complete access to your boat from any computer with internet access or through your web enabled mobile phone. The system has full GPS tracking through the new Inmarsat IsatM2M network, and will report in alarm notifications from anywhere in the world. When in wireless range the Marine Magellan Insight will report alarms to you with a voice message and/or email and/or SMS text message. Owners have a personalized webpage they login to which gives them access to view their onboard cameras live and view archived snap shots from triggered events and shows the vessels status, alarms that have occurred and a complete history of events. Owners also have the ability to arm/disarm their vessel and control AC/DC accessories all from the internet.

*The Insight DVR adds the ability to record and store the last 30 days onboard your yacht, with a 150GB hard drive you can record 4 cameras at 30 frames a second 24/7/30. You can easily download and archive the DVR to any computer.

**Marine Magellan Insight also available (with no GPS).

Package includes:

* MWM-SX7T Communicator

* MWM-W25 Communicator

* GPS Antenna PM-SIB Communicator

* MWM-PM-Gateway Communicator

* MWM-PM-DVR Communicator

* MWM-MG Module Communicator

* MG-DCTXP2 Wireless Door Contacts

* MG-PMD75 Motion Detector

* SD738 Smoke Detector

* MWM-CAM-Color Pan/Tilt 3040

* PM-HWS High Water Sensor

* M-LVS 12/24 Low Voltage Sensor

* Wireless Remote MG-REM2

To learn more about this exciting integrated Insight package visit: www.MarineGuardSecurity.com

MarineGuard Boat Security Alarm Systems Are Built Just For The Marine Environment

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