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!
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