There is a lot of hype about an AIS (Automatic Identification System) device as being the solution of a Man-Overboard Alarm device. The truth is, an AIS device is not necessarily the best solution for a Man-Overboard (MOB) situation because of the lag-time associated with its technology. The ALERT2 Man-Overboard System is all about knowing a MOB has occurred in seconds, the greatest chance of rescue is from the vessel the MOB fell from.
Here are the differences:
| Event | ALERT2 Man-Overboard Alarm System | AIS |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Overboard (event) | Upon immersion the MOB wonders what the heck happened. | Upon immersion the MOB wonders what the heck happened. |
| MOB comes up for air (+10 sec.) | Luckily MOB is coherent and now above the waves. MOB looking at surroundings trying to get barrings. At this point the ALERT2 is already transmitting to ALERT2 Receiver. | Luckily MOB is alert and now above the waves. MOB looking at surroundings trying to get barrings. Hopefully not panicked, MOB needs to remember how to activate AIS. |
| What is happening on vessel? (+20 sec.) | ALERT2 Receiver howls and crew take action to search for MOB. If the boat has ALERT2 Receiver wired for engine kill, the boat has stopped moving. | If MOB is successful, AIS is turned on. If first attempt fails, other manual activation may be required. Once activated AIS searches for GPS coordinates. |
| Search & Rescue (+30 sec.) | Crew on vessel are looking for a visual of MOB. Once sighted, a crew member will lock-on to MOB as others begin rescue. | Once GPS coordinates are located, the transmission to AIS-enabled receiver receives broadcast. Furthermore, the AIS icon may appear on the chart plotter as a vessel, not a MOB – so crew may still not be aware of person overboard. |
| 1 minute has passed | Vessel traveling 6 knots has separated 600 feet from MOB! ALERT2 MOB has either been sighted or ALERT2 Portable Direction Finder is able to home in on signal. | Because of lag-time, MOB will probably no longer be in sight. All rescue will be dependent on following GPS coordinates. |
| 3 minutes have passed | With transmission of alarm automatic, evasive action has commenced and rescue is well on way. | In reality rescue is probably just beginning. |
Check out the ALERT Man-Overboard Alarm Products.
The ALERT Man-Overboard Alarm System is made up of:
- The ALERT418 or ALERT2 Transmitter
- The ALERT2 Receiver