The Garmin OnBoard MOB System: Wireless Safety for Your Boat

The traditional engine kill cord is a vital piece of marine safety equipment, but it comes with a frustrating trade-off: being physically tethered to the helm. If you need to grab a mooring line, check a fishing rod, or just move around the deck, you either have to shut the engine down or risk bypassing the safety system altogether.

Garmin has solved this problem with the new Garmin OnBoard MOB (Man Overboard) System, offering untethered freedom without compromising on safety.

What is the Garmin OnBoard System?

The Garmin OnBoard system is a wireless Man Overboard detection and engine cutoff solution. It replaces the old-fashioned lanyard with a central hub - the GOS 10 - and compact, wearable wireless tags. These tags communicate directly with the hub and integrate seamlessly with your compatible Garmin chartplotter via a standard NMEA 2000 network. If a tag loses connection - such as when a wearer falls overboard - the system reacts instantly.

Captain vs Passenger Roles

One of the smartest features of this setup is the ability to assign different roles to each tag through your chartplotter interface.

  • Captain Mode: If the skipper wearing a 'Captain' tag goes overboard, the system immediately cuts power to the engine. It also triggers a loud external alarm from the GOS 10 hub, sounds alerts on your multi-function displays (MFDs), and automatically drops a MOB waypoint on your chartplotter to mark the exact location.
  • Passenger Mode: Ideal for crew, children, or even pets. If a 'Passenger' tag goes overboard, the engine keeps running so the captain can safely manoeuvre the vessel for a quick recovery. However, the system still sounds the alarm and drops a GPS waypoint to guide the skipper back.

Complete Freedom on the Water

The wireless tags are lightweight, entirely waterproof, and highly versatile. They can be worn on a wristband, clipped to a lifejacket with a carabiner, or attached to a floating keychain. You can connect up to eight tags simultaneously, making it perfect for family days out or fully crewed sailing trips.

Seamless Garmin Integration

Because it connects directly to your Garmin network, managing the system is incredibly straightforward. From your chartplotter screen, you can check the battery life of each tag - which lasts for over 1,200 hours of connected time using a standard CR2032 coin cell - view signal strength, and manage protection statuses. You can even temporarily disarm tags if your crew decides to go for a swim while anchored, preventing any false alarms.

Enhance Your On-Water Safety

Whether you are a solo boater needing reliable engine cutoff protection, or a family wanting peace of mind for your passengers, the Garmin OnBoard MOB System is a fantastic upgrade for marine safety. It works with inboard, outboard, and sterndrive engines from all major manufacturers, provided your vessel has an engine kill switch or ignition switch to tap into.

Ready to upgrade your safety gear? Take a closer look at the Garmin OnBoard System - MOB GOS 10 Hub & Tag on our store to secure yours today.