Vessel Tracking Monitoring Messaging US Patent #6,933,884

The SeaTrac Solution

GEOSat Solutions’ patented SeaTrac Solution provides vessel owners with added security of tracking vessel location, monitoring on-board systems and real-time text messaging while aboard the vessel or hundreds of miles away.

In partnership with Cabit Systems of Toronto, Canada and through its own expertise in satellite technology and the marine industry, GEOSat Solutions, Inc. has developed a tracking and monitoring system designed specifically for pleasure and commercial vessels. 
A boat owner, commercial operator or charter fleet manager, can track the vessel’s position and monitor the status of on-board systems, remotely through an Internet connection. In addition, from on-board the vessel, the operator can open, modify and close Float Plans, report Problems, Weather, Accidents, Emergencies and even send text messages by means of a small, hand-held device using SeaTrac’s Palm OS based software.

Reliable Wireless and Satellite Coverage

Depending on the geographic use of the vessel, SeaTrac utilizes a small, inexpensive and high-performance mobile satellite terminal supporting the MSV Communications Network.  The Madison terminal contains an embedded 12-channel GPS receiver. The terminal interfaces with on-board local  sensors to monitor bilge levels, AC and DC voltage, tank levels, alarms and other selected systems aboard the vessel. The unit stores data inputs and sends encrypted reports via satellite to a land-based monitoring center in the form of packet data transmissions. Condition reports are sent automatically from the boat at predetermined intervals. The vessel operator can also transmit specific reports of mechanical problems or updated text messages using the SeaTrac solution and a PDA. Pocket PC or laptop computer.

Automatic Notification SeaTrac can reduce theft, insurance claims and even lower insurance premiums by acting as an around-the-clock security system. For a low annual subscription fee, a private firm can provide 24/7 monitoring services. The user and the monitoring center, through a special Internet site (with password control), can access encrypted reports from the vessel.

At a glance, the subscriber can see the vessel’s latest position on a nautical chart powered by MarinePlanner.com™ and can view the status of on-board systems on a graphic display screen. Notification is automatically sent to the subscriber whenever an alarm condition exists and a predetermined response organization is notified. When alerted by an alarm or unauthorized movement, the boat’s whereabouts can be tracked and relayed to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

File a Float Plan, Report Problems and More With SeaTrac activated, a vessel’s owner can file a ‘float plan’ with the monitoring organization using the SeaTrac Palm. The SeaTrac monitoring organization automatically tracks the vessel’s location and notes any deviations from the float plan. In addition, SeaTrac’s allows two-way messaging during the voyage. This is a particularly convenient feature for reporting problems or requesting commercial assistance when out of normal radio range. SeaTrac’s monitoring system can even scrutinize engines and mechanical devices on the vessel. For example, in addition to fluid levels, SeaTrac’s sensors can monitor engine hours, oil pressure, temperature and rpm’s. Using SeaTrac's  messaging capabilities, the monitoring company can notify the vessel’s operator when to change oil and can indicate the closest service facility to the boat’s location. Charter operators and management companies can be certain that the chartered vessel is being operated within specified speeds and temperatures as well as insuring that geographic cruising limits are not exceeded.

The vessel can transmit weather conditions and receive accurate forecasts for its particular location.

Coverage Where It’s Needed SeaTrac utilizes spot beams from the geosynchronous MSAT satellites which cover all of North and Central America, including coastal waters out to more than 200 nautical miles. The SeaTrac service area includes the entire Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean basin and Northern South America.

The SeaTrac Advantage

GEOSat Solutions’ SeaTrac has undergone six years of development and testing. The SeaTrac’s  software was written specifically for marine applications and extensively tested across the US and Canada and throughout the Caribbean on the MSV Communications Network.

SeaTrac’s reliable, real-time encrypted messaging and delivery acknowledgments give the vessel operator a two-way link to shore-based services. This is particularly important when problems or emergencies arise. With the vessel’s location known, the messaging feature is also very convenient for receiving accurate weather forecasts for the vessel’s present location.

View SeaTrac  in action! at www.seatraconline.com/seatrac  Simply type in the user name of seatracdemo and the password 1234. Then view the float plans, messages and weather reports from our test vessel!

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