Vanemar’s Digital Switches feature allows you to remotely monitor and control your boat’s onboard switch panels directly from the Vanemar app. This guide will walk you through how the system works, how to set it up, and how to use it safely and effectively.
1. How the System Works
The system works through the Vanemar NMEA 2000 Boat Adapter, which connects to your boat’s NMEA 2000 network and communicates with the Vanemar Gateway. Once the adapter is paired with the Vanemar Gateway, all compatible digital switches on the NMEA 2000 backbone become instantly accessible from your mobile device — no complex setup required.
✅ Tip: The system is designed to work automatically once connected. Just plug in, pair, and go.
⚠️ Note: This feature requires a Vanemar NMEA 2000 Boat Adapter. Check if your boat has NMEA 2000 →
⚠️ Note: Only digital switch panels connected to the NMEA 2000 network can be displayed and controlled in the Vanemar app.
2. Turning Digital Switches On and Off
Once your digital switches are successfully connected through the Vanemar NMEA 2000 Boat Adapter, they will automatically appear on the main screen of your Vanemar app. You can easily control each switch directly from your phone. To turn digital switches on or off, follow the steps below:
1. Open the Vanemar app on your mobile device.
2. Tap the Switches card on the home screen.
3. Press and hold any switch card to toggle it on or off.
⚠️ Warning: Before toggling any switch, always make sure the action will not interfere with critical onboard systems. Double-check the system’s status both before and after switching to ensure safe operation.
3. Personalizing Your Digital Switch Dashboard
To make identifying and managing your switches easier, you can assign custom names
and icons to each switch in the Vanemar app. This allows for quick recognition and a cleaner dashboard view, especially when managing multiple systems onboard.
To customize your switch dashboard:
1. Open the Vanemar app and go to the Switches screen.
2. Tap the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
3. Select Customize Switches from the menu.
4. Enter a custom name for each switch (e.g., “Cabin Light”, “Bilge Pump”).
5. Choose an icon that clearly represents the system it controls.
6. Tap Save to apply your changes.
⚠️ Reminder: Always double-check your changes. Incorrect labeling or icon selection can lead to confusion and unintended system behavior.
4. Enhance Security with Biometric Authentication
To add an extra layer of safety, you can enable biometric authentication — such as Face ID or fingerprint — when accessing your digital switches. This helps prevent accidental toggling and protects critical onboard systems from unauthorized access.
We strongly recommend enabling this feature, especially if you control essential functions like bilge pumps, navigation lights, or engine power from the Vanemar app.
Option 1: Enable on First Use
When accessing your digital switches for the first time:
1. A prompt will appear asking if you want to enable biometric authentication.
2. Tap Yes to activate Face ID or fingerprint protection.
3. Once enabled, biometric verification will be required before accessing the digital switch dashboard.
Option 2: Manage via Settings
1. Open the Vanemar app and go to the Switches screen.
2. Tap the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings from the menu.
4. Toggle Biometric Authentication on or off as needed.
🔐 Tip: Enabling biometric security ensures that only you can access and control sensitive systems through the Vanemar app.
5. Use with Care: Safety & Best Practices
While the Digital Switches feature brings powerful remote control to your fingertips, it’s important to use it responsibly, especially when managing systems that affect safety and operation on board.
Follow these best practices to ensure a safe and reliable experience:
Double-check custom labels and icons. Incorrect names or visuals may cause confusion during urgent situations.
Verify switch status after each action. Always confirm that the system responded correctly in the Vanemar app and on the boat.
Use biometric authentication. Prevent unauthorized access and accidental toggles by enabling biometric protection.
Test your setup while docked. Ensure that everything functions as expected before relying on it at sea.
Inform your crew. Make sure others onboard understand which switches are remote-controlled and how to use them safely.
⚠️ Important: Misuse or mislabeling of digital switches may lead to unintended consequences. Always operate with care and review your configuration regularly.
If you need any more help, feel free to contact our support team.
Happy Sailing,
The Vanemar Support Team