Autotether and Falls Overboard
A Multifunction Wireless Lanyard and Alarm System Enters the Market
Autotether is a new boating safety device that uses wireless lanyards and host receiver to sound an alarm and shut down the engine after a fall overboard.
Falls overboard are a huge causal factor in boating related deaths each year and more manufacturers are focusing on improved technology to better combat this problem. Solutions to date include man overboard alarms, personal locator beacons (PLB), wireless tethers, and engine kill switches. A Connecticut company, Autotether Inc., has entered the playing field with a multifunctional wireless lanyard and alarm system that can a protect a motorboat and up to four passengers.
Why Are Falls Overboard a Problem? - There are at few a couple of immediate problems with a fall overboard. The obvious one is the potential of injury during the fall and being thrown in the water. Risks are compounded with accidents occurring in cold water. The problem is of special concern to operators of personal water craft and those operating a powerboat alone.
If a motor vessel operator is thrown overboard while not using a kill switch, their boat could go on with out them or more commonly enter an uncommanded tight turn and circle back towards the operator in the water. Falling overboard is bad, having your boat run over you is much worse. Every year there are incidents were operators are pitched overboard and bystanders watch helplessly as the boat circles until it runs out of fuel.
The Autotether Solution - Autotether is a wireless lanyard system that monitors vessel passengers and immediately responds to a fall overboard. If the operator or a passenger makes an unplanned fall into the water, the device automatically shuts the engine down and sounds a 96-decibel alarm.
In a press release, inventor Martin LoSchiavo says, “Perhaps the greatest benefit of the Autotether system is that it not only protects the boat operator but also protects up to three passengers. We have heard numerous stories where a passenger fell overboard and the boat operator was not immediately aware of it to stop the boat. The operator and up to three passengers – including small children and pets – can enjoy an incredible extra measure of protection simply by wearing a lightweight Autotether sensor. It is peace of mind and it could be a lifesaver.”
Autotether Operation - There are two key components found in the Autotether system. The first is a host receiver, 3.7" x 2.8" x 0.8" in size, that mounts near the ignition controls of the boat. The vessel's factory installed kill switch clip is replaced with an actuator clip provided by Autotether. AAA batteries are used to power the host and provide up to 150 of continuous use. The second component is a personal senor transmitter or fob that is worn by all those onboard the motorboat. The host receiver maintains constant communication with the wireless fobs and responds if the fob's radio signal is cutoff by a fall in the water or if the fob is taken more than 150 feet away from the boat.
As we have said many times here at Boating and Sailing, man overboard devices are an important safety item to keep in your toolbox. As with any mechanical device, they are subject to failure and improper use. While this article isn't a formal review of the Autotether, the system should be of further interest to power boaters. Use a system like the Autotether as a supplement to good safety practices and investigate whither installing a system like this is suitable for your unique situation. The manufacturer sells the Autotether system with two personal sensors for $295 and two additional sensors may be purchased separately.
