Marine IT is a different world from office IT. Salt air corrodes hardware, satellite bandwidth is precious, and when something breaks at sea, nobody is driving over to fix it. Here is what reliable connectivity looks like on the water.
Satellite Internet Options
Starlink Maritime has changed the game. Previously, marine satellite internet meant VSAT systems costing tens of thousands with bandwidth measured in single-digit megabits. Starlink delivers broadband speeds (50-200+ Mbps) at a fraction of the cost. It is not perfect (coverage gaps in some regions, the dish needs a clear view of the sky), but for coastal and near-shore vessels in the Pacific Northwest, it is reliable and fast.
For vessels operating in remote or polar regions, traditional VSAT (Intellian, KVH) or LEO alternatives may still be necessary. Hybrid setups that combine Starlink with a backup VSAT or LTE connection provide the best reliability.
Onboard Networking
A vessel's network needs to handle the same things as an office network, in a much harsher environment. Marine-grade access points (Ruckus, Peplink) handle vibration, humidity, and temperature swings that would destroy consumer hardware. Run Ethernet where possible; WiFi through metal bulkheads is unreliable.
- Separate crew/guest WiFi from operational systems (VLAN segmentation)
- Use a marine-grade router with failover between satellite, LTE, and marina WiFi
- Deploy PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches for clean AP installations
- Consider bandwidth management/QoS to prioritize critical traffic over streaming
Remote Management
When a vessel is underway, remote access is the only option for IT support. This means every onboard system needs to be manageable remotely: network equipment with cloud management (Peplink InControl, UniFi Cloud), endpoint management via MDM, and remote access tools for troubleshooting. If the satellite link goes down, you need clear documentation so the crew can perform basic resets.
Navigation and Operational Systems
This is where marine IT diverges completely from office IT. Chart plotters, radar, AIS, autopilot, engine monitoring: these systems are safety-critical and typically run on dedicated networks. Keep operational technology (OT) completely separate from the crew and guest IT network. No shared switches, no shared subnets. A compromised crew device should never be able to reach navigation systems.
Cybersecurity at Sea
Vessels are increasingly targeted by cyber threats. Ransomware, phishing, and unauthorized network access are real risks. Basic security practices apply:
- Segment networks (crew, guest, operations)
- Keep all systems updated (including bridge equipment firmware)
- Use VPN for all remote management access
- Deploy endpoint security on crew devices
- Restrict USB ports on operational systems
The Vancouver and BC Coast Context
The BC coast presents specific challenges: deep fjords that block satellite signals, remote anchorages with no cellular coverage, and weather that tests every piece of hardware. We work with vessels operating out of Vancouver, Victoria, and up the coast, so we understand the environment and what works in it.
Getting It Right
Marine IT done well means crews stay connected, operational systems stay secure, and owners have visibility into their vessel's systems from anywhere. Done poorly, it means frustrated crews, security vulnerabilities, and expensive emergency repairs in remote ports. If you are outfitting or upgrading a vessel's IT systems, we specialize in exactly this. Reach out for a conversation.