New aid to marine rescue accuracy
Scottish technology solutions company, Marine Management Training and Security Limited (Marine MTS), has launched a new personal locator beacon system which could speed up marine casualty rescues.
The iPIRB (Individual Position Indicating Rescue Beacon) locates and indentifies the precise location of marine casualties within a search area, either on board a craft or in the water. The system can also locate unconscious casualties as the beacon is automatically activated on impact with the water. Casualties can be tracked for up to 96 hours and any drift or change in position can be recorded, reducing time in the water and ultimately increasing the chances of survival.
Wynne Edwards, managing director, Marine MTS, told Maritime Journal: “The reason that we have launched the iPIRB technology is that we believe it is a huge jump forward from the existing solutions in use not only because it allows inside casualty tracking on the scene but also that same level of tracking and oversight is available in shore side control centres. It allows responders to react and initiate recovery in a controlled and planned manner, which is always more effective.”
He added: “The technology is already in use by a number of organisations including the German navy and we have combined it with other technology to enhance its capability. We now have interest from the Coast Guard.”
The system will be distributed by Telemar UK Limited.
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