Man Overboard!
I have been on a high technology safety kick at Suite101 with a focus on man overboard devices. Topics comprise man overboard alarms, personal locator beacons (PLB), the MOB Guardian System and engine kill switches There is growing interest in this field and new ideas are arriving everyday. Your own crew situation will dictate the most effective solution available for your vessel. Single-handed sailors have requirements that vary from a boat carrying multiple occupants or crew.Single-handed sailors should consider the use of an engine kill switch or a MOB alarm that has this feature and a PLB. Self rescue is possible if the boat does not run out of reach and a PLB will actively broadcast your position information to search and rescue authorities.
Crewed vessels are well served with using a man overboard alarm system. Operators need to consider the effect of wind and tide on a person in the water with GPS based track-back programs. Carriage of an EPIRB would provide many additional safety benefits to all aboard.
The equipment runs the gamut of radio frequency, global positioning system, and sonar technology that often combines it in single systems.
Man Overboard Alarms use radio frequency or sonar technology to activate an alarm if someone goes over the rail. Some models also provide track-back navigation information to the person in the water and kill the engine.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) are the personally worn versions of the emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB) that broadcast a coded radio signal to overhead SARSAT-COSPAS search and rescue satellites on the 406 MHz frequency. Information transmitted by the PLB includes a unique identifier tied to a data base and can also provide GPS coordinates in some models.
MOB Guardian System is a hybrid that takes the best of man overboard alarms, personal locater beacons, and emergency position indicting beacons. These technologies are joined in a holistic system that tracks a ship's position with the Iridium satellite network, providing an active data link to search and rescue authorities and sounds an alarm if there is a man overboard emergency.
Engine Kill Switches do just that. They operate with a mechanical lanyard or a wireless equivalent that shuts down the boat engine if operator is thrown off the boat or has a fall. These devices are important to single-handed sailor safety. Uncontrolled boats can circle back and hit an operator in the water.
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Labels: Boating Safety, Crew Safety, Man Overboard, MOB
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posted by Harbormaster at 12:51
9 Comments:
You've made me think (as usual). Every summer we have the Sydney-Hobart race, and every summer there are big safety issues. I'd never considered it past search/rescue. Next summer I'll watch and see who has what equipment, as well :).
Maybe I've just watched too much "Dangerous Catch" but it seems like it would be very dangerous to go out on the water alone, if the water is open ocean rather than a lake or stream. It sounds like an engine kill switch would be a 'must have' if you are out on the water by yourself.
There is no better time to discuss boating safety than the summer. It seems in the last two weeks I have seen an explosion of boats on the water here in Jersey, and with so many boats on the water there are bound to be accidents...I didn't realize just how tech boating safety was getting...
Well, I have to hand it to you --- you seem to know your boating stuff. I myself am scared of boats. Too much Jaws viewing as a child. But it's very cool to have so much knowledge in one topic -- and it's interesting to see why boat folks talk like they do.
I've never been a big boat fan, more from lack of opportunity than lack of desire. We're near the Lake of the Ozarks, and it always seems there are so many tragedies on the water, this time of year. People just not thinking mostly. I don't think anyone gives enough credit to actually acquiring knowledge and respect for the water.
New Zealanders are keen boaties (Think America's Cup!!!) but most problems seem to occur due to lack of preparation or safety equipment or alcohol!!!
NZ is ahead in AC!
I capsized many a small sailboat in my teens; the water, however, was never that cold, and there were lots of boats around. Is it at all wise to operate a boat by yourself in colder waters?
I can't imagine being brave enough to venture too far out all alone. I can see myself out on a tiny lake or farm pond, but that's about it. Why yes, I am a big chicken. *cluck*
The MOB devices sound worthwhile and important. I hope people who are more adventurous than me heed your good advice.
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