New Mobilarm VPIRB device making waves

by Mobilarm PR on 15 Jul 2008 The innovative, life-saving Mobilarm V100 VPIRB Man Overboard device is starting to make an impact following its launch in May 2008. This unique new device, which uses VHF DSC and GPS to dramatically reduce the possible rescue time during a MOB incident, has been featured in many marine magazines and websites, including Sail-world.com

Always on Watch – Mobilarm man overboard systems are designed to protect skipper and crew from going overboard unnoticed by providing an automatic and immediate alert onboard the vessel in a man overboard (MOB) incident.

'We’re witnessing a growing awareness of boating safety, being driven by campaigns such as ‘You’re the Skipper, You’re Responsible’ that reinforces the message that the skipper of every boat is responsible for the safety of their vessel and the people on board.' said Mobilarm Marketing Manager, Lorraine Hammacott.

'Understanding our customers’ attitude to safety when they’re on the water, and how that is changing, is very important in making sure that what Mobilarm has to offer is up-to-date and in line with demand.

Win a $1500 Musto Jacket by completing a survey! This survey is an effective way for us to assess and evaluate what our customers are thinking, and the incentive of winning a top quality ocean jacket worth $1500 we hope will encourage boaters to enter the draw.'

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The unique V100 VPIRB (VHF Position Indicating Radio Beacon) turns conventional MOB technology on its head through the simple concept that lives can be saved if vessels in the local area are immediately notified of a MOB incident and automatically provided with the casualty’s GPS coordinates. As the VPIRB sends its distress signal by VHF DSC, no expensive, additional onboard equipment is required, and because of this, any mariner can choose to carry a V100 and increase their own chances of rescue in a MOB incident.

The Mobilarm V100 is a fully automated, maritime survivor locating device that transmits a MOB distress call via VHF DSC and VHF voice to all VHF radio equipped vessels and land based receivers within range, including the distressed mariner’s vessel. The pocket-sized VPIRB is attached to clothing or lifejackets and will automatically activate if the wearer goes overboard, sending out a distress call and real time GPS coordinates of the casualty’s current position.

'Traditional MOB systems are focused on alerting coastguard and land-based rescue services, which in a MOB event adds extra time before a rescue takes place,' says Lindsay Lyon, CEO of Mobilarm. 'The fact that the VPIRB immediately informs the vessel from which the MOB occurs, any other vessels in the surrounding area and land based VHF receiving stations in range whilst providing GPS coordinates means that a local rescue can be implemented as soon as the alarm sounds. And because of this, the V100, we believe, will save more lives than any other MOB device out there.'

Note: Mobilarm are currently running a boating survey through sail-world.com, offering you the chance to win a top-of-the-range Musto HPX jacket, as worn by the Volvo Ocean Race sailors, worth $1500.