Personal Satellite Messenger - Don't Leave Home Without One

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 Award 2008
• 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, visit http://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

Off Topic Ramble

Quit Your Complaining! Please

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). 

How to Choose a Boat Security Alarm

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!

www.MarineGuardSecurity.com

Aye Mates

Saying Hello to my fellow Gators!
USS Bristol County LST 1198 Subic Bay
1975

MarineGuard Quality Hardwired Boat Alarms

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.

To learn more about these dependable systems and pricing, visit Marine Guard Yacht Security

File A Float Plan Every Time You Take Her Out!

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:

• Sea Tow International
  
• BoatUS
  
• US Power Squadron
• USCG Aux.

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?

Nav-Tracker Helps Recover Stolen Boat

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.

BoatNanny Wireless Boat Security Systems

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.

Order yours before Feb.1 2009 from:

Marine Guard Yacht Security *210 Commercial Ave * Anacortes, WA 98221* 360.588.2120

RETAIL:$1395.00

SALE: (ends Jan.31,2009) $1,256.00

Happy New Year From Marine Guard Yacht Security

Irony of the New Years Rituals

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