NET Protect links to Garmin OneHelm for nonstop NMEA 2000 monitoring
Alexandra
Maritime operators and fleet managers increasingly treat NMEA 2000 bus health as logistic-critical: uninterrupted data on navigation, engine, and sensor nodes directly impacts charter scheduling, port call windows, and safety-of-crew compliance when vessels enter congested marinas and coastal terminals. Digital Yacht has extended its NET Protect system with native Garmin OneHelm connectivity so Garmin MFDs can display continuous NMEA 2000 network status and alerts, enabling real-time responses during charter operations or private yacht passages.
What NET Protect does on the NMEA 2000 bus
NET Protect is a self-contained, bus-powered monitoring device that receives and analyses all traffic on an NMEA 2000 backbone. It performs three principal roles: pre-service certification and testing during installation, a suite of configuration and diagnostic tools for installers, and continuous 24/7 monitoring with event logging and alerting for the operational life of a vessel. The unit exposes its data via a wireless web interface and now through Garmin OneHelm on the helm display.
Key monitoring and security checks
The device inspects both logical and physical network metrics, including:
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- PGN duplication and unexpected PGN traffic
- Device instance conflicts and missing outputs
- Gateway validation and cross-network anomalies
- Firmware versions and device naming for asset tracking
- LEN (load equivalence number) calculation per device to assess bus load
Installer workflow and the CANshot snapshot
Once installation verification is complete, installers run the CANshot routine to snapshot the network and store a baseline internally. That snapshot creates a printable report for handover to owners or fleet managers—useful for future diagnostics, warranty or insurance records. After this baseline, NET Protect moves into continuous monitor mode, generating audible alarms and logged events when deviations occur.
Garmin OneHelm integration — operational advantages
With the OneHelm connection, alerts from NET Protect now pop up directly on compatible Garmin multi-function displays (MFDs), and the OneHelm interface grants access to the NET Protect GUI for on-the-spot inspection. For fleet and charter operations this means fewer blind spots between the helm and onboard network health, and quicker identification of issues that could otherwise delay a departure or affect passenger safety.
| Feature | Benefit for owners/charters |
|---|---|
| 24/7 network monitoring | Early detection of faults that could interrupt charters or create safety risks |
| CANshot baseline snapshot | Documented installation state for insurance and maintenance records |
| Garmin OneHelm alerts | Helm-level visibility for immediate troubleshooting |
| Wireless web GUI | Remote access for technicians and remote fleet management |
| SMS alerts via 4GX/5GX | Remote owners/managers can receive critical notifications ashore |
Pricing and upgrade path
The NET Protect unit is priced at £250 / €330 ex VAT and is available now. Existing NET Protect owners can add OneHelm compatibility via a free software upgrade, simplifying fleet-wide rollouts for rental marinas and charter operators that already rely on Garmin MFDs.
Practical impacts on boat rental, charter fleets and marinas
For yacht charter companies and boat rental services, the addition of OneHelm connectivity makes NMEA 2000 monitoring an integrated part of bridge operations rather than a backend maintenance task. Detecting a misbehaving sensor or a duplicate PGN before passengers board reduces downtime and protects reputation. It also helps marina technicians and service yards to standardise commissioning checks across multiple boats, accelerating turnarounds between bookings.
Checklist for fleet managers
- Install NET Protect on each vessel during routine servicing to establish a CANshot baseline.
- Enable OneHelm integration on Garmin MFDs to give skippers access to live network health information.
- Configure SMS alerts via Digital Yacht 4GX/5GX units for remote oversight of high-value charter assets.
- Archive snapshots and event logs for warranty, insurance, and handover documentation.
Why network security matters beyond electronics
Recent automotive CAN-bus vulnerabilities have shown how CAN-based networks can be exploited; maritime systems using NMEA 2000 carry navigational and propulsion data that, if corrupted, could create serious operational hazards. By validating device IDs, firmware versions and topology, NET Protect reduces the attack surface and helps verify that a vessel’s sensors and actuators are speaking with expected behavior—an important step for commercial operators where compliance and passenger safety are non-negotiable.
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Highlights: NET Protect’s continuous NMEA 2000 monitoring, OneHelm integration for helm-level alerts, and installer-focused CANshot reporting make this a practical advance for private owners, charter fleets, and marinas. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service; if you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Forecast on tourism impact: this update is a targeted technical enhancement rather than a transformational tourism event—its global impact on the travel map is limited—but it is significant for the customer experience in boating. GetBoat aims to stay abreast of such developments and keep pace with the changing world. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.
Summary: NET Protect with Garmin OneHelm strengthens NMEA 2000 network visibility and security for vessels of all sizes, helping installers document systems with CANshot, allowing live helm alerts, and offering remote notification paths via cellular links. These capabilities reduce downtime, support safer charters, and simplify fleet operations. For anyone involved in yachting, charter or boat rental, this is a valuable tool to protect navigation and sensor integrity. When preparing your next adventure—whether a small boat day trip to a clearwater bay, a fishing outing in a gulf, a luxury superyacht charter, or a sailing week across open ocean—platforms that combine transparent listings, make/model details, and verified ratings help you pick the right vessel. GetBoat.com supports this by providing a global, user-friendly solution for booking or buying yachts, sailboats and motorboats with transparency and convenience for unforgettable experiences; choose a boat that fits your plans and set your own course.
