Abstract: A remote control device for wirelessly controlling a second device is disclosed that allows the user to remotely control the second device using spoken commands. The remote control device is preferably dimensioned to be useful as a handheld device. The remote control device includes one or more microphones into which the user can speak a command. The remote control device also includes a transmitter, for example a radio frequency transmitter and/or an optical transmitter, for transmitting a signal to the second device based on the user's spoken command.

Abstract: A marine radio wireless communication system (10) incorporating a remote wireless handset (26) and a fixed mount marine radio (18) for wireless communication on board a waterborne vessel (12) is disclosed. At least one marine radio remote wireless handset (26) is associated with and wirelessly linked to the fixed mount marine radio (18) for onboard remote acoustic communications between the two. Each fixed mount marine radio (18) and marine radio remote wireless handset (26) incorporates a speaker (80, 106) and a microphone (72, 102).

Abstract: A detachable wireless transceiver module (306, 308) operable to communicate with a marine radio wireless communication system (10) on board a waterborne vessel (12) is disclosed. The module is designed to be secured and operably connected to a handheld marine radio (250) in order to provide local wireless communications capability thereto. The enhanced handheld marine radio (250) is operable to communicate directly with one or more fixed mount marine radios (18, 38) and/or wireless handsets (26, 46, 50, 52) via local wireless channels.

Abstract: A marine vessel (102) is operable to emit an audible signal based upon the velocity status of the marine vessel (102). The marine vessel (102) includes a first processor component (340) operable to determine the velocity of the vehicle based upon signal inputs (140, 142, 144). The marine vessel (102) further includes a database (310) containing a set of at least two audible signals. A second processor component (300) is operable to select an audible signal from the set of at least two audible signals based on the velocity of the marine vessel (102). A loudspeaker (110) emits the selected audible signal from the marine vessel (102).

Abstract: A marine vessel (102) is operable to set the operating mode of its marine radio (108) based upon the location of the marine vessel (102). The marine vessel (102) includes a first processor component (340) operable to determine the location of the marine vessel (102) based upon signal inputs (140, 142, 144). The marine radio (108) incorporates a database (310) containing a set of at least two operating modes and a second processor component (300) operable to select an operating mode from the set of at least two operating modes based on the location of the marine vessel (102).

Abstract: A mobile communications apparatus (84) for wireless communication with a fixed mount marine radio (82) is disclosed. A radio-frequency communicator (120) is selectively operable to transmit wireless communications to the fixed mount marine radio (82) in a sending mode and to receive wireless communications from the fixed mount marine radio (82) in a receiving mode. A speaker (114) and microphone (112) are coupled to the radio-frequency communicator (120) to enable audio communication. An actuator (122) operates the radio-frequency communicator (120) between the sending mode and the receiving mode.