Boating Emergency Essentials: How AIS MOB, PLB, and EPIRBs Can Save Your Life on the Water

Navigating safety on the water is crucial, especially for leisure boaters who might encounter unexpected emergencies. This FAQ guide will help you understand the differences between AIS Man Overboard Beacons (MOB), Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), and how these boating emergency essentials can be used to enhance safety during your next adventure.

1. What is an AIS Man Overboard (MOB) Beacon?

AIS MOB beacons are devices designed to alert nearby vessels if someone falls overboard. They integrate with the boats Class A, Class B, or Receive Only Automatic Identification System (AIS), a tracking system used on ships and by vessel traffic services.

Function: Transmits the individual’s location and an emergency signal to nearby AIS-equipped vessels.

Range: Typically 1-2 miles.

Activation: Can be automatic (activated when an inflatable lifejacket inflates) or manual.

Usage: Ideal for coastal boating, sail racing, or any situation where nearby vessels can provide immediate assistance.

Key Benefit: Quick local response in a man overboard situation.

2. How does an AIS MOB Beacon improve safety on the water?

• Immediate Alert: Rapidly notifies nearby vessels of a person overboard, facilitating quick rescue.
• Visibility: Displays the exact location on AIS-compatible devices like chart plotters, aiding search efforts.
• Ease of Use: Compact and easy to attach to life jackets or harnesses, ensuring it’s always accessible in emergencies.
• Ideal For: Boaters in busy waters where other vessels can respond quickly to a man overboard alert.

Usage Tip: Boaters using this product need to keep the product up and out of the water. Best if used mounted on a lifejacket.

3. What is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)?

Personal Locator Beacons are versatile emergency devices that send a distress signal to global search and rescue satellites when activated.

Function: Transmits a digital SOS distress signal on 406 MHz frequencies with location information to global Search and Rescue satellite systems for a minimum of 24 hours continuously.

Range: Global coverage.

Activation: Manual 3 step process to activate (PLB1) or Semi-Automatic upon life jacket inflation (PLB3).

Usage: Suitable for both land and marine environments, providing a safety net for a variety of outdoor activities.

Key Benefit: Versatility and global reach for various emergency scenarios.

4. When should I use a PLB for boating?

Use a Personal Locator Beacon if you:

• Don’t own an EPIRB but venture offshore: Useful for offshore boating where help may not be nearby.
• Engage in Multiple Activities: Ideal for boaters who also participate in hiking, skiing, or other outdoor activities.
• Need Portability: Compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for personal safety across different environments.

Usage Tip: Boaters using this product need to keep the product up and out of the water. Best if used mounted on a lifejacket. PLBs are ideal for leisure boaters in remote areas or those who need a single device for multiple outdoor adventures.

5. What is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)?

EPIRBs are robust emergency devices designed for maritime use, providing vessel-wide distress signaling in severe conditions.

Function: Transmits a digital SOS distress signal on 406 MHz frequencies with location information to global Search and Rescue satellite systems for a minimum of 48 hours continuously. Learn More

Range: Global coverage.

Activation: Can be automatic (upon water immersion when out of bracket) or manual.

Usage: Primarily used for vessel safety in offshore conditions.

Key Benefit: Reliable and prolonged signaling for vessel emergencies.

6. How does an EPIRB enhance maritime safety?

EPIRBs are crucial for:

• Long-Duration Signaling: Equipped with batteries that last over 48 hours, ensuring a continuous distress signal.
• High Accuracy: GNSS/GPS-enabled to provide precise location information to rescuers.
• Dual Activation: Automatically activates in water or can be manually triggered, ensuring functionality even if the crew is incapacitated.
• Ideal For: Offshore and deep-sea boaters where immediate local help might not be available.

Usage Tip: Boaters using this product should tether the beacon to their life raft or lifejacket but allow the EPIRB to float in the water while transmitting.

How do I choose between an AIS MOB , a Personal Locator Beacon, and an EPIRB?

Consider the following factors to choose the right beacon:

• Boating Activity: AIS MOB beacons are best for coastal or inland waters with nearby vessels. PLBs are versatile for both land and sea. EPIRBs are essential for extended offshore voyages.
• Crew Size: AIS MOB beacons are perfect for solo sailors or small crews needing immediate assistance. Larger vessels or those on long trips benefit from EPIRBs.
• Location: AIS MOB beacons are effective in busy waters. PLBs and EPIRBs provide critical safety for remote or offshore locations.

Match your boating emergency gear to your boating environment and needs to ensure the best safety coverage.

Here is the good news: Now you don’t need to choose between multiple devices. Ocean Signal now has the new PLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon which provides the same functionality as an AIS MOB and a PLB. Also, if you prefer an EPIRB but want the AIS functionality, check out the new EPIRB3 Pro or EPIRB3 with AIS Alerting.

Can I use these devices interchangeably?

While each device serves a distinct purpose, their use cases can overlap depending on the scenario:

AIS MOB beacons are best for man overboard situations in busy waters.

PLBs offer broad utility for personal safety across different terrains and activities.

EPIRBs are dedicated to severe maritime distress, providing long-range emergency signaling for vessels.

Tip: It’s often beneficial to carry more than one type of device to cover different emergency situations.

Are these beacons mandatory for leisure boaters?

The requirement for these boating emergency essentials varies by region and type of boating activity. While not always mandatory, carrying these devices significantly increases safety and can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Just ask these survivors!

Advice: Check local regulations and consider carrying these devices regardless of mandates, especially for offshore or remote boating.

What should I do after purchasing an AIS MOB Beacon, PLB, or EPIRB?

Once you have purchased a beacon:

• Register Your Device (PLBs and EPIRBs): Ensure your beacon is registered with the appropriate authority, providing your personal and emergency contact details.
• Familiarize Yourself: Learn how to activate and use your device properly. Read the Product Support Manual or watch tutorial videos.
• Regular Maintenance: Check battery life, perform a self test, inspect the case for any damage, and clean periodically to ensure readiness.

Final Tip: Regularly update your registration details and practice using the Boating Emergency Essentials to stay prepared for any emergency.

For more detailed information or further questions about these safety devices, feel free to reach out. Safe and happy boating!