MOB Tag Roles

You can connect multiple MOB tags to the Garmin OnBoard™ engine cutoff system and assign different roles to the tags, depending on who is wearing it. For details on the exact actions performed by each role, see (MOB Tag Behavior).

Captain

This role is intended for an MOB tag worn by a vessel captain or an individual responsible for controlling the vessel. A tag with a Captain role allows the system to shut off the engine or engines during a Man Overboard (MOB) event.

NOTICE

At least one MOB tag with the Captain role assigned must be paired for the Garmin OnBoard engine cutoff system to function. You cannot change the role of a Captain tag if it is the only tag paired with the Captain role assigned.

Passenger
This role is intended for an MOB tag worn by a passenger on the vessel. A tag with a Passenger role allows the system to create alerts during a MOB event, but it does not allow the system to shut off the engines.
CAUTION

When a tag with a Passenger role disconnects, the system does not shut off the engines. The system shuts off the engines only when all Captain tags are disconnected.

MOB Tag Behavior

When a protected MOB tag disconnects from the Garmin OnBoard engine cutoff system by traveling out of range of the GOS™ 10 hub, the Garmin OnBoard system considers this to be a man-overboard event. Based on the role assigned to the tag, the performs these actions in this general order.

Action Captain Role Passenger Role

A message banner appears on all connected chartplotters indicating that the connection with the tag has been lost.

The alarm buzzer connected to the GOS 10 hub sounds a loud alert.

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A three-second countdown timer appears on all connected chartplotters.
NOTE: You can cancel the timer and alert if the man-overboard event was an error.
If the countdown timer is not canceled, after three seconds, the system:
  • cuts off power to the engines to stop the vessel

  • creates a Man Overboard (MOB) waypoint on the chartplotter at the location where the signal from the MOB tag was lost

  • displays a message stating Engine Cutoff Initiated

NOTICE

If more than one MOB tag connected to the system are assigned the Captain role, all of the Captain tags must disconnect before the system kills the engines and triggers an MOB action.

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A fifteen-second countdown timer appears on all connected chartplotters.
NOTE: You can cancel the timer and alert if the man-overboard event was an error.

If the countdown timer is not canceled, after fifteen seconds the system creates a Man Overboard (MOB) waypoint on the chartplotter at the location where the signal was lost.

The engines remain functional.

CAUTION

When a tag with a Passenger role disconnects, the system does not shut off the engines. The system shuts off the engines only when all Captain tags are disconnected.

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You are prompted to begin navigation to the MOB waypoint.

If a compatible autopilot system is connected to the network, you can initiate a route to the waypoint from this message.

NOTICE

For an MOB tag with a Captain role, you must acknowledge the Engine Cutoff Initiated message on a chartplotter before power is restored to the engines and you can begin navigating again.

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An SOS script appears that can be used to make a VHF distress call.

From this view, you can also see the location of the MOB waypoint on the chart and dismiss it if necessary.

CAUTION
The Garmin OnBoard system does not contact emergency services at any time. You must initiate a distress call if needed.
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GUID-8D60E520-A4CC-4669-8D45-79C61C3778A4 v2
January 2026