The MOB Guardian system consists of a base unit and crew personal safety devices (PSD's). The base unit automatically transmits, via satellite, regular updates of a vessel's position, course and speed to the RNLI's monitoring station. If regular updates are missed, the monitoring station tries to regain contact with the boat and, if no further updates are received, an alert is raised with the coastguard so that a search can be initiated.

Because the last known position of the vessel has been recorded, searching by the rescue services becomes far easier and casualties can be reached much quicker.

Crew personal safety devices, supplied with the MOB Guardian, can be worn either round the neck or put in a pocket. If a crewmember falls overboard and hits the water, an alert is automatically triggered to both the main unit on the vessel and also the RNLI monitoring station. Not only that, but the PSD can also be used as a panic button if a serious incident occurs on board.

MOB Guardian's normal RRP is £1,800 fully installed, but McMurdo has agreed to install units for just £1,000 + VAT for registered UK fishermen. In addition, SEERAD, DEFRA, Sunderland Marine and the RNLI are heavily subsidising that cost further, so registered fishermen should check out the website for the full deal.

The RNLI/McMurdo/AWS MOB Guardian collected the Innovations Showcase Award for Safety & Training.

MOB Guardian T: 01202 663142 E: mob_guardian@rnli. org. uk W: mobguardian. com