Garmin Launches OnBoard System

Garmin has introduced its new OnBoard system, a wireless man overboard (MOB) detection and engine cutoff solution designed to improve on-water safety while removing the limitations of traditional tethered kill cords.

The OnBoard system uses wearable wireless MOB tags, allowing skippers and passengers to move freely around the vessel without being physically connected to a cutoff switch. Each tag can be worn as a wristband, attached to a carabiner, or integrated into a floating key ring, providing flexibility across different fishing scenarios.

A key feature is the ability to assign tags as either “captain” or “passenger,” enabling tailored responses in an emergency. If a passenger falls overboard, the system triggers an MOB alert on a compatible Garmin MFD, along with an audible alarm from both the display and the GOS 10 hub. If the designated captain enters the water, the system escalates the response by automatically cutting the engine, marking an MOB waypoint on the chartplotter, and sounding alarms across the network.

For solo anglers, especially when gamefishing, where attention is on gear and fish handling, a wireless MOB system provides a critical safety layer without relying on a tether that is often impractical to wear consistently.

The system supports tracking for up to eight MOB tags simultaneously, extending coverage beyond the skipper to include crew, family members, or even pets. Integration with Garmin chartplotters allows users to manage tag settings directly, including temporarily disabling tags during activities such as swimming or water sports.

At the centre of the system is the GOS 10 hub, which includes a loud external alarm designed to improve onboard awareness in high-noise environments. Garmin states that the wireless tags are engineered for a battery life exceeding a typical boating season, reducing maintenance requirements.

By shifting from physical tethers to a wireless ecosystem, Garmin is targeting a common compliance issue - anglers not wearing engine cutoff cords due to restricted movement. The OnBoard system aims to address this gap by combining ease of use with automated safety responses.

The launch reflects continued development in connected marine safety systems, with a focus on reducing risk while maintaining practical usability for everyday boating. See more at https://www.garmin.com/en-NZ/p/1229049/