/ 
The development of NMEA 2000 networks has greatly increased the amount of information available on board. Batteries, AIS, depth sounders, autopilots, and even weather sensors now generate numerous alerts. However, there remains a challenge well known to boaters: quickly identifying the source of an alert when a simple beep sounds. Recognizing this need, Galvanic Works, a company based in Mallorca, has developed Galvanic Voice, a system that replaces beeps with contextualized voice announcements.
Voice messages to immediately identify an alert
Galvanic Works' stated goal is to convert data from the NMEA 2000 network into information that the crew can understand immediately. Instead of a generic audible signal, the system verbally announces the nature of the event, its location, and, when relevant, the associated data.
The examples provided by the manufacturer cover several common situations. An approaching AIS target is announced along with its bearing, distance, closest point of approach (CPA), and estimated time until the closest point of approach. Drifting while at anchor triggers a message specifying the distance traveled and the drifting speed. Alarms related to the batteries, autopilot, depth, or sensors connected to the network can also be relayed via voice prompts.
The system translates into French, English, Spanish, Italian, or German.
Monitoring that brings together the vessel, the crew, and the environment
In addition to the onboard electronic equipment, Galvanic Voice incorporates crew monitoring through the Galvanic Pulse wristbands.
Each wristband communicates with the main unit. According to the manufacturer, if the signal is lost for more than ten seconds, a man-overboard procedure is automatically triggered without any action required from the crew. The voice message then provides the bearing and distance of the person who has fallen overboard.
The manufacturer notes that on large systems equipped with multiple Galvanic Voice modules, signal loss must be confirmed by several devices in order to minimize false alarms caused by walls or radio interference.
The wristbands are also used for shift management. They track rest periods to help monitor crew fatigue. Galvanic Works cites several scientific publications on the effects of sleep deprivation on decision-making abilities to support this feature.
An installation designed for boats already equipped with NMEA 2000
Installation is said to be simple. The manufacturer states that only a single cutout is needed to mount the unit in the dashboard. It connects to the existing NMEA 2000 network with a 12-volt power supply.
The unit features a 20-watt speaker that uses the Gorilla Glass 3 front panel as a vibrating surface. A ring of twelve RGB LEDs complements the voice announcements by visually indicating the direction of the reported event, whether it?s an AIS target or a man-overboard alert.
Galvanic Works reports a power consumption of 1.1 W at idle, or about 26 Wh per day?a feature that will appeal to sailors at anchor or those who enjoy long crossings. The case meets the IP67 protection rating, designed to withstand water splashes, sea spray, and temporary submersion.
A mobile app that complements the in-vehicle system
Galvanic Voice works with the Galvanic App, available on iOS and Android. The app includes eleven modules. These include charting, AIS tracking, weather forecasts, anchorage monitoring, sailing performance, the NMEA equipment dashboard, crew management, the alert log, and system settings.
The manufacturer also announces remote access to the boat without a subscription, provided the boat has an Internet connection. Together, these elements form an ecosystem in which information flows between the onboard unit, the wristbands, and the mobile app.
A system announced for the fourth quarter of 2026
Galvanic Voice is available in Pre-order for ?950 (excluding tax) . Two Galvanic Pulse wristbands are included as standard. A launch promotion offers four additional wristbands during the pre-order period.
