What was once a luxury is now a necessity. In today's world, our reliance on the ability to connect to the internet is unwavering. In some fashion or another, whether it be for business or pleasure, we gravitate to our devices.
Our homes, offices, restaurants, commercial and private air travel nearly all offer web connectivity as if its a mainstay and had been in place for 1,000's of years. Wait, your vessel lacks something as familiar as the sun rising in the east? What about the owner who is conducting business, the guests who are checking in daily with family members, and the captains monitoring the most up to date weather? As the owner or captain of the vessel, adding such a service can be overwhelming.
Technology has come such a long way; the addition of internet aboard your vessel may not be as daunting as it appears. The three most popular options for the internet vary in the range of connectivity, cost, and ease of installation. It is best to determine what suits the needs of the owner, captain, and crew.
Vessels can utilize any of the following to establish onboard internet connectivity- wifi extenders, cellular data, and bonded connections. When considering these options, it is most important to take into account the minimum range you would like to maintain your ability to connect with signal strength in mind. In ranking the range capabilities, wifi extenders max out around 7 miles, cellular signal booster cap out at 20 miles, and lastly, bonded internet connections can allow for worldwide connectivity.
When considering the importance of onboard internet, it is essential to take into consideration all of the benefits it holds. Sure, we all want the glitz and glamour of keeping up with our favorite sports team, perusing social media, and streaming our favorite movies, but let's look deeper at the necessity.
Advancement in technology has led to the ability to integrate onboard systems. Vessel internet systems vary in capabilities from short-range single device reception to all the bells and whistles of a floating IT department. Looking beyond basic web connectivity, let's explore the systems associated with the internet and how owners, guests, and crew will realize they have gone on too long without it.
The world changed with the invention of cellular communication and the internet. Business operations no longer conducted within a time frame; it became 24/7. Landbased, nearly everyone in the world is available at any time, why would this change at sea? It doesn't have to change, internet connectivity at sea is a floating office with a great view. Today's internet speeds and offshore range allow you to be in your favorite destination while hosting a video conference call with your team, managing your daily operations, data transfer, and the list goes on.
For many, the continuation of business operations is crucial, but let's consider other important internet-based novelties at sea for owners and guests. Often, we are leaving behind family, pets, and our homes when we venture offshore. How can our house web-based gadgets we rely on like nest and ring be monitored from the sea as readily as they are on land? We can't stop utilizing the conveniences we have become accustomed to in our life because we are aboard vessels. Like with any form of travel, daily check-ins with kids are a must, communicating with the pet sitter, being alerted to people on your property, and controlling the lights and temperature of our home all can be accomplished with onboard internet.
As if the guest and owner benefits are not enough, how will the internet positively benefit the crew? The crew is ultimately responsible for the safety of its guests, with safety in mind, this may be the top reason to consider vessel internet systems. As we know, the weather is ever-changing. Today's technology allows for crews to monitor the most up to date weather at the touch of a screen. Vessel helms today appear as if they are a modern space ship, but hide the interworkings of a complex system. When combined with the internet, this system can create the most up-to-date weather overlay display on the screen before you. Secondly, crews are often subject to a rigorous travel schedule. Shoreside visits can be uncommon, and the ability to find reliable phone or internet options can be challenging. Vessel based internet can play a significant factor in crew moral.
While at sea, wifi-based onboard electronics can include radars, sonars, and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). Let's face it; hard-wired marine electronics are becoming obsolete. Lastly, bear in mind the comfort of the guests. Consider handheld wifi-enabled devices to control music zones, volume, stations, adjusting lighting, blinds, and temperature without intruding on a guest's leisurely vacation.
While the internet provides benefits for crew and guests on board, consider when the boat is left unattended. Beautiful anchorages exist all around the world for tranquil shore-based excursions. Marinas and harbors may offer land-based internet, which may be unreliable if offered at all. Vessels must be monitored around the clock considering the complex systems involved. The most recent wifi-based technology measures installed sensors to ensure the boat is at berth safely unattended. Installed sensors monitor temperatures, high water, shore power, onboard motion and entry, and location. A notification alerts the owner or crew member in the event of an unsafe reading by a sensor. Additionally, like a Nest installed in a home, operators of a wifi-based vessel system can adjust the air conditioning, lighting, and monitor video feeds. These internet supported systems create peace of mind.
The benefits of wifi aboard a vessel are endless. It is essential to take into account how you would like to utilize the internet and to what capacity before selecting a means of obtaining onboard wifi. Additionally, the cost of equipment, installation, and service agreements if necessary, vary greatly.
We have all grown accustomed to the ease of the digital world at our fingertips. Signing on to the internet is as common as pouring your morning coffee and can be just as easily applied to your vessel. Take into consideration the benefits that coincide. In the future, it may no longer be an option, but a necessity as more and more electronics are shifting to wifi compatibility to operate. Schedule an appointment with Yacht Gurus (954-348-4894); our team of professionals will assist in finding the best internet connectivity option for you and your vessel. You will be glad you made the call.
