The closest thing yachtsmen can get today is the Platinum Performance system created three years ago by Volvo Penta of the Americas and Carver Yachts. Several companies, including Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel, have such hotlines for questions. For example, if the engine exhibits a high coolant temperature and won't exceed 2500 rpm, the remote diagnosis can confirm whether the engine has automatically dropped into a precautionary mode. He may ask you to determine if there is a blockage around the water intake or ask if there is water flow in your exhaust. If full water flow can be restored, the technician can even instruct you on how to reset the computer so you can resume normal cruising speed.
Effective communication is the key to any service provider.
OnStar relies on the cellular system, but a marine system would have to use satellite communications for offshore and VHF for inshore. DSC operation connects you to a shore-based system that contains, in its database, important information about you and your boat. A distress call placed on channel 70 alerts the shore base, which shows your name, address, phone, type of boat and location. This guides the Coast Guard in dispatching help. Direct connection to a digital shore-based system, such as MariTel, lets you place a phone call via the Sea 157 radio.