Communication and safety at sea specialist Ocean Signal introduces its latest device for the commercial sector at this year’s Seawork International - the M100 and M100X Maritime Survivor Locating Device (MSLD) with Automatic Identification System (AIS) and 121.5MHz homing beacon.

Ocean Signal M100 and M100X have been developed to save lives in the commercial maritime industry

Ocean Signal M100 and M100X have been developed to save lives in the commercial maritime industry

Designed for the professional marine market and suitable for all offshore and lone workers, the rugged man overboard devices are designed to unobtrusively attach to immersion suits and inflatable life jackets ready for automatic activation on inflation of the jacket or on submersion when fitted to the suit.

Available in two versions, the M100X is designed to meet the European ATEX directive and the IECEx approval for use in Zone 2 explosive atmospheres and is ideal for use in environments such as oil rigs, offshore platforms or other hazardous areas. The M100 device is suitable for all other commercial use, such as wind farm users, off shore workers, fishing fleets and fish farm workers, and helicopter transfers.

James Hewitt, Ocean Signal Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “Offering both AIS transmissions for position plotting and a continuous emergency homing signal on 121.5MHz, the Ocean Signal M100 and M100X have been developed to save lives in the commercial maritime industry. The devices feature established technology developed for our rescueME MOB1 including the proven 66-channel GPS, but with additional rugged design features for use in the commercial environment.”

The Ocean Signal MSLD has been developed to withstand the harsh commercial environment and has a resilient, sturdy design to ensure ease of use and simple installation.

Once activated, the M100 and M100X will transmit an alert to all AIS receivers and AIS enabled plotters in the vicinity, as well as sending a 121.5MHz homing signal, for a minimum of 12 hours. Waterproof up to a depth of 10m, the devices are operational between temperatures of -20°C and +55°C and can be stored at temperatures between -30°C and +70°C.

With a 2-year warranty, the compact MSLD measures 132mm x 53mm x 28mm to ensure it can be comfortably worn whilst in a working environment.

Additional Ocean Signal products at the show include the rescueME MOB1 man overboard device with AIS and DSC, the rescueME EDF1 electronic distress flare, rescueME PLB1 personal locator beacon and SafeSea products the S100 SART, V100 VHF and E100G EPIRB.

Visit Ocean Signal at Seawork International 2016 on stand PB87.

By Jake Frith