Abstract: Tracking a personal flotation device transceiver is facilitated by an apparatus in which a personal flotation device transceiver sends a message identifying and locating the attached personal flotation device to a boat base station using a wireless broadband radio connection. The boat base station sends messages via data relay satellite to a network control center system; which, then sends emergency messages concerning the identities and locations of both the overboard personal flotation device transceiver and the boat base station to interested third parties using a broadband internet connection, a VHF radio transmitter and a telephone device. The network control center system also determines probable future position location information of the overboard personal flotation device transceiver; and, transmits this future position location information to interested third parties using standard telephone, VHF radio and internet connections.

Abstract: An automatic communications, tracking and reservation systems for automatically establishing a wireless communications link between a facility system and a craft system to facilitate the two-way transmission of messages and information, and to initiate a reservation transaction for storing the craft in order to greatly reduce the time involved with making a reservation and for minimizing the time lost due to an interrupted communications connection.