COVINGTON, La., March 29, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spot LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc (GSAT) and a leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies, today announced that SPOT HUG, a revolutionary new and cost-effective satellite-based security device for boats, is now available at 47 West Marine retail locations across the United States and on the retail website at www.westmarine.com. West Marine is the country's largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, with more than 325 company-operated stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.
SPOT HUG monitors the boat's position and detects any Unauthorized Movement automatically alerting a 24/7 Asset Monitoring Center with its GPS coordinates. The Asset Monitoring center will notify the appropriate parties of the event including the registered boat owner and local authorities where available. SPOT HUG also comes equipped with Sensor Alert capabilities and established SPOT messaging features for sending messages via satellite to others including an international rescue coordination center.
SPOT HUG consists of a Tracker with built-in GPS and satellite transmitter, a Wireless Keypad and key FOB. The Tracker establishes a virtual security perimeter around the vessel when stationary. If the boat moves outside of this perimeter without the presence of the key FOB, an automatic alert is transmitted every 5 minutes via satellite with an updated GPS location to the Asset Monitoring Center. In addition, SPOT messaging features can be activated using the Keypad or the FOB when in range of the Tracker.
Rugged and water-proof to IPX7 standard, SPOT HUG can be line powered to either a 12 or 24 volt external battery or operate solely using AA lithium batteries. Equipped with four external sensor contacts, SPOT HUG also provides Sensor Alert monitoring and notification for events such as high bilge water, low battery, door ajar and smoke detection. A message is sent to the registered boat owner and/or additional listed contacts who receive a text message and/or email with the detailed information. Additionally, SPOT HUG sends a Daily Status Alert message to the boat owner with sensor status updates and the boat's GPS coordinates
SPOT HUG utilizes SPOT simplex technology so users can transmit location-based messages over the Globalstar satellite network. This allows boat owners to message for help in a critical emergency or let others know where they are and that they are okay. Automated Track Progress message mode lets friends and family view a virtual "breadcrumb" trail of their location on the water.
Pricing and Availability:
SPOT HUG is available at select West Marine retail locations and on the Retailer's website at www.westmarine.com for $399.99 plus an additional annual subscription price for service starting at $149.99 per year which includes unlimited asset monitoring and personal satellite messaging. For more information on SPOT products and location-based satellite services like SPOT Assist Maritime with BoatUS Towing, visit www.findmeSPOT.com
Coverage:
SPOT satellite coverage works around the world, including all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia Northern and Central Africa, portions of South America and North-Eastern Asia and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas.
About Spot LLC
Spot LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), provides emergency notification technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. The SPOT product family uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the Globalstar network to transmit messages and GPS coordinates to others including an international rescue coordination center. Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how Spot LLC is helping others stay connected - from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure - visit www.findmeSPOT.com. Note that all SPOT products described in this press release are the products of Spot LLC, which is not affiliated in any manner with Spot Image of Toulouse, France or Spot Image Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia.
The SPOT Adventures Logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6660
About West Marine
West Marine, the largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, has more than 325 company-operated stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada and three franchised stores located in Turkey. The call center and Internet channels offer customers over 60,000 products and the convenience of exchanging catalog and Internet purchases at our store locations. Our Port Supply division is one of the largest wholesale distributors of marine equipment serving boat manufacturers, marine services, commercial vessel operators and government agencies. For more information on West Marine's products and store locations, or to start shopping, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464).