Hypothermia develops rapidly in cold water and without protective clothing the victim will not survive.

The ideal solution to such situations is for vessel and crew to have their own locally managed rescue system on board, with the option to call on the SAR authorities if the situation is beyond their control. Once alerted of the situation, the crew can often initiate a successful rescue operation without involving the authorities, thus saving urgent resources.

Recognising the need for successful MOB location and recovery, SMM 2004 exhibitor Martek Marine Ltd (UK) recently launched their Crewtrack Man Overboard Alarm/Locator System, which they claim is the most effective on the market due to its ingenious timing circuit to prevent false alarms.

Crewtrack operates on the 121.5MHz worldwide emergency homing frequency and comprises discreet, lightweight personal locater beacons (PLBs) and a choice of emergency receiver units on board the vessel. In the event of an MOB situation, a signal is emitted from the Crewtrack PLB, which the Crewtrack receiver on board will pick up and immediately alert the crew by means of audible and visual alarms.

Also, if the Crewtrack direction finder can be installed on the vessel, a signal strength and position indicator of the MOB will be displayed relative to the ship's heading.

Martek's Crewtrack PLB has undergone successful trials with the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, The Australian Navy, DNV, and British Gas Hydrocarbon Resources.

Crewtrack can be seen on Stand 520 in Hall 7 at SMM.

MJ Information No: 19824