Mobilarm Latest Release of sMRT SOS Dan Buoy MOB Recovery Device

'Man Overboard!!' - we have yet to get to terms with POP, (hasn't quite got the same ring to it)  - roared at full volume from the deck is a yachting skipper's and crew's worst nightmare. No matter how well prepared we think we are and how many times we have practised the drills beforehand, we are never really prepared for the event when it does happen. 

Practice drills are vital, but are no substitute for the real thing, mainly because it always occurs most unexpectedly, in an instant, and when no one on board is in the least expecting it. It subsequently and consequently has such a sudden impact on our brain that we are momentarily stunned, then requiring cool heads and fast action to effect a successful rescue of the MOB.

The marine industry is constantly developing and improving equipment to facilitate better rescues and one such company has just launched its latest contribution.           

Mobilarm has integrated its latest emergency electronic MOB Beacon, the sMRT V100 Locator Beacon, with the inflatable SOS Dan Buoy marker. It was introduced recently at the Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s largest mega-‐yacht show.

Mobilarm sMRT MOB Dan Buoy

Once thrown into the water and inflated, the SOS Dan Buoy becomes a visual marker and at the same time the sMRT technology is activated which sends out an alert signal automatically transmitting GPS coordinates to your chart plotter via AIS and DSC. The SOS Dan Buoy can also provide flotation for the casualty. Its visual and electronic capabilities can reduce the Search in Search and Rescue.

The sMRT SOS Dan buoy is a major change in marine rescue devices and suitable for many marine applications for vessels and fixed marine installations. Portable and simple to use, the sMRT Dan Buoy can be thrown into the water providing a floating marker for a person to swim towards and await rescue. The integration of MRT’s sMRT beacon technology allows the tracking of the Dan Buoy and also provides an alarm mechanism to alert nearby vessels to assist with the rescue.

Mobilarm's sMRT Dan Buoy deployed

Additional features:
- Patented arm loops
- 2.5 mtre high visibility ribbon
- Flashing LED light and reflective strips
- Large drogue
- SOLAS approved whistle
- Re-usable Pro-sensor inflation technology
- External loop for attaching a lifebuoy
- Rating to ISO 12402 standard

MRT CEO Ken Gaunt commented: “We are continuously looking to provide our customers with all potential life saving solutions. The sMRT SOS Dan Buoy is another solution with which our customers can address their man overboard risks. This product is a clear alternative for those environments in which individual protection is not viable such as large passenger vessels and cruise ships, or those facilities such as oil rigs and wind farms in which additional standby measures address the additional safety requirements needed.”

SOS Marine’s, Ross Spencer added:”We are very excited for sMRT SOS Dan Buoy to become a global benchmark in response to a rescue situation. The sMRT SOS Dan buoy has lifesaving capabilities. It is easy to use; anyone can pick it up and throw it overboard and is specifically designed to make rescue and recovery of a Man over Board incident a simple and reliable operation. The sMRT SOS Dan Buoy is a very easy to use product that delivers improved safety to commercial and recreational seafarers.”

Another feature we like about this unit is that being a Dan Buoy, it can be fitted permanently within easy reach to your pushpit rails and immediately thrown to the MOB. At a little over $300.00 it has to be a vital addition to your boats safety equipment.

Images courtesy sail-world.com and just-marine.net

You can read much more about the cruising lifestyle in my book 'Sailing Adventures in Paradise' downloadable from my website www.sailboat2adventure.com