Frequently asked questions

Please, take a minute to see if your question is answered in the FAQ of the device you are having trouble with. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us at support@sentinelmarine.net for technical matters, or use our contact form for sales related inquires.

Usage and Features

Is it possible to share my routes on social media?

Sure, you can easily share your past or current routes with your friends and family via e-mail or on your social media.

Explanation of 3G Shutdowns and Their Impact on Our Product

If your device relies on 3G, please read the "Why Does This Matter for You?" and "What You Can Do" sections below to understand how this will affect your service and what steps you need to take.

As many of you may have noticed, telecommunications providers around the world are shutting down their 3G networks. This transition is impacting a wide range of devices and services, including earlier versions of our product that rely on 3G for connectivity. Here's a breakdown of what’s happening and why these shutdowns are important:

What is 3G Shutdown?

3G (third-generation) networks, which were introduced in the early 2000s, enabled mobile devices to access the internet at faster speeds than 2G. However, as technology evolved, 4G (LTE) and 5G networks have taken over, offering far superior data speeds, better reliability, and lower latency.

To meet the increasing demand for faster, more efficient mobile networks, telecom operators are phasing out 3G services. By shutting down 3G, they free up valuable spectrum to expand their 4G and 5G networks, which are more suited to modern needs, such as video streaming, high-speed data transfer, and IoT (Internet of Things) applications.

Why Does This Matter for You?

If your device or an earlier version of our product relies on 3G for connectivity, the 3G shutdowns could lead to a loss of service or reduced performance in areas where 4G or 5G networks are not supported by the product. Once 3G networks are decommissioned in a particular area, devices using 3G may no longer be able to connect to the internet, send data, or perform any network-related functions, or they may experience significantly decreased service quality.

When Will This Happen?

The exact timeline for 3G shutdowns varies by country and region, as each telecom provider manages its own network. Some countries have already completed their 3G phase-out, while others are in the process or planning to do so soon. Major telecom providers in the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia are progressively turning off 3G networks, with many aiming for completion between 2023 and 2025.

Stay informed about global 3G network shutdowns with this resource, keeping in mind that while the information may not be completely precise, it offers valuable insights.

What You Can Do

To continue enjoying uninterrupted service and connectivity, you may need to consider upgrading to a version of our product that supports 4G. By moving to a 4G, you can ensure future-proof connectivity and access to faster, more reliable networks as 3G becomes obsolete.

If your device is affected by the 3G shutdown and you have already purchased a new 4G-compatible version of our product, we are offering compensation to assist with your transition. To qualify for this compensation, please fill out the Compensation request form linked below before registering your new device. This request is required to process your claim and ensure you receive the appropriate support.

*To keep your trip history when replacing your device, follow the step-by-step guide at this link.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Users residing in regions where the 3G network is undergoing progressive shutdown
  • Devices with serial numbers starting within the range of 20XXXXXXXX to 32XXXXXXXX

Compensation request

You can find the request form HERE.

We understand that this transition may require some adjustment, and we are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your specific device and network changes. Please feel free to contact our customer support team for help with upgrading or understanding how the 3G shutdown impacts you.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we navigate this important technological shift.

How can I connect the app with the device?

Use the smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code on the Boat Monitor, and follow the instruction on screen. The process should only take you a moment.

Which countries are covered by the subscription?

European coverage:

Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Worldwide coverage (roaming restrictions apply (eg. Turkey, Brazil)):

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia & Herzegovenia
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Chad
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Estonia
Eswatini
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guyana
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guinea
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan Republic
Laos
Latvia
Lesotho
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
St Maarten
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Turks & Caicos
Uganda
UK
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Uruguay
USA
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Coverage on request (contact support for activation, limitations apply):

Bhutan
Botswana
Central African Republic
East Timor
Faroe Islands
French Polynesia
French West Indies
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Korea, Republic Of
Kosovo
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Liberia
Madagascar
Malawi
Mozambique
Netherlands Antilles
Puerto Rico
Réunion
Samoa
Seychelles
Swaziland
Yemen

Please be aware that coverage may change without notice due to factors outside Sentinel's control.

How much current does Boat Monitor actually use?

Boat Monitor consumes 1 Ah during a day of sailing and only 24 mAh while your boat is moored. The impact of Boat Monitor on your boat batteries should not be noticeable.

Will Sentinel Boat Monitor use the power from my battery?

Yes, but very little. With a 100 Ah battery the Boat Monitor will work more than 6 months (this is without charging it).

How will I be alerted in case something happens to my boat?

You will receive a mobile push notification. You should be logged-in to the Sentinel app and have access to WiFi or 3G/4G.

How precise is the GPS tracking?

GPS Tracking frequency is dynamic - it depends on whether the boat is turning, going straight or not moving at all. The resulting tracks are very detailed as can be seen in this image:

For performance reasons the points may be slightly sparser when displaying the routes on your computer, phone or tablet. You can download the full track using the "Download GPX" button on any route in the web app.

As boat owner, how do I accept a "GUEST REQUEST"

When a guests scans the QR code and creates an account, you will be sent a guest request, which will allow the guest to see the routes and other information about the boat. You may confirm or reject the guest request by clicking on "Accept" or "Reject" buttons in the Guests section of the web application or within the application on your mobile device.

As a "guest user", how do I start using the application?

On your phone or tablet, install the application "Sentinel - your boat, online" which you may download from the App or Play Store (for Android or iOS respectively). Use the app to create an account. Scan the QR code on the front side of the device or provided by the "owner" of the boat.

Upon completion, the wizard will send a "guest request" to the boat owner for confirmation. After the request is accepted you will be able to start using the application.

I am receiving notifications that the boat has moved. Why?

You may have activated the "anchor alarm" functionality, and the Sentinel service is warning you that your boat has moved from its initial position.

What is the difference between CZone Lite and CZone Unlimited?

The CZone addon allows you to remotely switch selected CZone circuits and receive alerts from the CZone system. Two flavours of the addon are available: Unlimited and Lite

The CZone Unlimited addon allows you to:

  • Receive all alerts generated by the CZone system.
  • Select and switch an unlimited number of CZone circuits. These are excluded from the subscription plan size limit.

The CZone Lite addon allows you to:

  • Receive all alerts generated by the CZone system. Some restrictions apply, see below *.
  • Select and switch** a limited number of CZone circuits. Each selected switch takes one slot in your subscription plan size limit.

* The behaviour of CZone alerts is different between Lite and Unlimited addons. With Unlimited, alerts that are cleared in the CZone system but triggered again will fire a push notification to the Sentinel app automatically. With Lite, alerts need to be cleared manually in the Sentinel app in order to receive new alerts from the CZone system (from same source).

** When using CZone Lite, toggling a circuit in the CZone system will sync to the Sentinel app no later than every 20 minutes. Toggling a switch in the Sentinel app is reflected immediately in the CZone system. With Unlimited, the sync is always immediate.

The CZone addon is not needed if you are only interested in monitoring CZone circuits (without switching and CZone alerts).