How Dock Sentinel Works

Monitor the water.
Recognize the change.
Alert the dock.

Dock Sentinel continuously monitors the water surrounding your dock for abnormal electrical activity that may indicate a dangerous electrical fault.

Unlike devices that only monitor the electrical system, Dock Sentinel actively measures conditions in the water itself.

Dock Sentinel danger state

1. The Problem

Electrical leakage in water can be invisible.

Damaged wiring, faulty equipment, boat lifts, or other electrical sources can introduce electrical energy into the water without obvious signs.

A dock may appear normal while an abnormal electrical condition exists nearby. Dock Sentinel adds continuous situational awareness so owners can recognize conditions that warrant investigation.

Dock Sentinel
You cannot see electricity in the water.Continuous monitoring helps identify abnormal electrical activity before it goes unnoticed.

2. How Dock Sentinel Detects It

Two water sensors. Continuous intelligent monitoring.

Two corrosion-resistant marine-grade stainless steel sensors measure the electrical potential between two points in the water.

S1

Water Sensor One

Installed near the dock to continuously sample electrical conditions.

Potential difference measured continuously
S2

Water Sensor Two

Provides the second measurement point used by the monitoring system.

µ

Onboard Processing

Multiple measurements are analyzed every second to distinguish normal environmental conditions from abnormal electrical activity.

01

Electrical Field Strength

Evaluates the magnitude of electrical activity detected in the water.

02

Signal Stability

Examines whether the measured signal is stable or transient.

03

Measurement Quality

Uses repeated measurements to improve reliability and reduce false alarms from electrical noise.

04

Sensor Health

Checks sensor and internal system health to identify maintenance needs.

05

Continuous Monitoring

Operates throughout the day and night rather than relying on a manual spot check.

06

Abnormal Activity Recognition

Detects changes that may indicate electrical leakage into the water.

3. How You’ll Know

Three operating states provide clear direction.

The front panel, warning beacon, audible alarm, and connected interface communicate what the system has detected.

SAFE
Normal Operating Conditions

SAFE

No abnormal electrical activity has been detected based on the system’s monitoring criteria.

FAULT
System Attention Required

FAULT

A sensor, electronics, or system issue has been detected. Monitoring continues, but maintenance may be required.

DANGER
Abnormal Electrical Activity

DANGER

The beacon and audible alarm activate to warn nearby occupants to avoid entering the water.

Visual

High-Visibility Beacon

Designed to draw attention from across the dock or marina.

Audible

Onboard Alarm

Helps immediately notify people near the monitored waterfront area.

Wireless

Connected Status

Owners can securely review status and diagnostics from a phone, tablet, or computer.

4. Peace of Mind

Continuous monitoring with wireless diagnostics.

Built-in wireless connectivity supports configuration, diagnostics, and system monitoring.

  • System status
  • Live sensor measurements
  • Alarm history
  • Sensor diagnostics
  • Firmware information
  • Future software updates without replacing hardware

Owner-managed monitoring: Dock Sentinel is not a centrally monitored alarm service. Owners and authorized users monitor their own devices and properties.

DashboardMobile alert
Freshwater monitoring unit

Designed for Freshwater Environments

Purpose-built for docks, marinas, boat lifts, and residential waterfronts.

Dock Sentinel is being developed specifically for freshwater installations where electrical faults can create hazardous conditions.

The system is intended to provide continuous situational awareness and early notification of abnormal electrical activity that may require investigation.

Private DocksMarinasBoat LiftsRental PropertiesWaterfront Businesses

How It Helps

Early awareness for waterfront owners.

24/7

Continuous Monitoring

Monitors water conditions throughout the day and night.

Detect

Abnormal Activity

Identifies abnormal electrical activity near the dock.

Alert

Immediate Warnings

Provides visual and audible alerts when needed.

Identify

Developing Problems

Helps owners recognize electrical problems requiring investigation.

Awareness

Potential Hazards

Adds another layer of situational awareness around the waterfront.

Current Development Status

Engineering development and validation are ongoing.

Dock Sentinel is currently undergoing engineering development and validation testing across a range of environmental and operating conditions.

Freshwater Field EvaluationsControlled Laboratory TestingEnvironmental CharacterizationLong-Term Reliability Assessments

When a Danger Alert Occurs

Treat the condition seriously.

1

Keep Everyone Out

Do not allow anyone to enter or remain in the water.

2

Do Not Investigate From the Water

Never enter the water to investigate an electrical condition.

3

Disconnect Power When Safe

Turn off power only from a dry, protected location when safe to do so.

4

Contact a Qualified Electrician

Have the dock and connected electrical systems inspected before use resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Dock Sentinel fits into dock safety.

Does Dock Sentinel measure the electrical system or the water?

Dock Sentinel actively measures electrical conditions in the water between two installed water sensors.

What does the amber FAULT state mean?

FAULT indicates a sensor, electronics, measurement-quality, or internal diagnostic issue requiring attention. It is distinct from a DANGER condition in the water.

Does SAFE guarantee the water is safe?

No. SAFE means no abnormal electrical activity is currently detected based on the system’s monitoring criteria.

Does Dock Sentinel replace electrical inspections?

No. It complements proper electrical design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and code compliance.

Can the system be updated after installation?

The intended architecture supports future software and firmware improvements without replacing the monitoring hardware.

Detect. Alert. Protect.

Know before anyone enters the water.

Learn more about Dock Sentinel for a private dock, marina, boat lift, rental property, or waterfront business.

Important: Dock Sentinel is designed to monitor electrical conditions in the water and provide notifications based on those conditions. It does not eliminate electrical hazards, replace proper electrical installation, inspection, maintenance, or code compliance, and it does not guarantee that conditions are safe.