In a man-overboard emergency, survival depends on immediate local action and rapid detection.
The SOS MRB901 AIS MOB Beacon is a compact, powerful, and Class M compliant safety device engineered to dramatically improve recovery chances by alerting the vessels closest to you. Utilising best-in-class range and sensitivity, it transmits your precise position via the Automatic Identification System (AIS), ensuring a rapid rescue when every second counts by plotting your exact location directly onto nearby navigation screens.
Delivers a pinpoint visual distress target directly to the chartplotters of all AIS-equipped vessels in your vicinity.
High-precision GNSS receiver quickly locks onto your coordinates, broadcasting a position accurate to within meters.
Designed to automatically activate upon the inflation of a compatible lifejacket, with a simple manual override option.
As maritime safety regulations evolve, understanding equipment standards is crucial for crew safety.
Dedicated Visual Tracking: While new Class M regulations (ECC/DEC/(22)02) are introducing mandatory DSC (audible alarm) requirements for certain new devices, the core of localised rescue remains precise visual tracking. The MRB901 focuses entirely on providing a robust, high-precision AIS-only signal.
Cutting Through the Clutter: The primary goal of modern AIS standards is to separate human distress calls from commercial markers (like fishing nets). The MRB901 ensures your emergency signal is recognised as a priority man overboard target on receiving screens, preventing it from getting lost in everyday marine traffic.
A Man Overboard (MOB) beacon is a compact, wearable life-saving device. Unlike traditional EPIRBs that signal distant rescue coordination centres via satellite, an AIS MOB beacon communicates directly with the vessels immediately around you.
When activated, the MRB901 transmits a localised VHF radio signal containing precise, real-time GPS coordinates. This data is picked up by the Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers on nearby boats, instantly plotting your exact location, drift, and distance as a distinct visual, flashing red target on their digital chartplotters.
The MRB901 is a dedicated AIS-only beacon and it is perfectly suited for environments where the helm is actively manned, and navigation screens are consistently monitored. It provides a highly effective, localised safety net for the following applications:
Recreational Boating & Coastal Cruising: Ideal for families and cruising couples. When a crew member goes overboard, the immediate priority is for the vessel’s own skipper to locate them. The MRB901 plots the casualty directly onto the boat’s chartplotter for a swift, self-reliant recovery.
Club Racing & Crewed Sailing: In racing environments, the helm and navigation instruments are under constant observation. The instant an AIS distress target appears on the screen, the tactician and crew can immediately execute man-overboard maneuvers without waiting for external radio alarms.
Inshore & Coastal Fishing: A reliable, rugged safety solution for smaller commercial or recreational fishing vessels operating within range of other AIS-equipped boats or coastal monitoring stations.
Flotillas & Group Expeditions: Perfect for boats traveling in close proximity. If someone falls overboard from one vessel, every neighbouring boat in the flotilla will instantly see the flashing red priority target on their digital charts, allowing for a coordinated, multi-vessel response.
Harbour & Port Operations: Highly effective for workboats, tug crews, and pilot vessels operating in confined harbor waters. Local port authorities and nearby commercial traffic heavily monitor these zones via AIS, ensuring rapid detection of a localized visual distress signal.
The HJ9018 is built rugged for the toughest offshore environments. It’s waterproof up to 10 meters. Compliant with major international standards. Trusted by professionals.
Arm the Device
Secure the MRB901 to the oral inflation tube of your automatic lifejacket using the provided mounting clip.
Deploy
When the lifejacket hits the water and inflates, the physical movement and expansion automatically trigger the beacon’s activation mechanism.
Transmit
The antenna deploys, the high-intensity strobe begins flashing, and the AIS distress signal is instantly broadcast to nearby receivers.
Deploy Antenna
Firmly grasp the red pull-tab and remove the protective cover to release the antenna.
Press ON
Press and hold the clearly marked ‘ON’ button for 2 seconds.
Confirm
The high-intensity strobe will begin flashing, confirming the unit is live and actively transmitting your GPS coordinates via AIS.
(Note: Always refer to the complete user manual for detailed installation, testing, and repacking procedures.)
The MRB901 AIS MOB Beacon ships worldwide. Check our distributors to order locally.
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HJ9018 AIS/DSC MOB Beacon
