ISP Launches Pioneering AIS Man OverBoard Lifejackets

UK-based International Safety Products (ISP) is launching a series of new pioneering lifejackets fitted with the world’s smallest AIS Man OverBoard systems.

The Liverpool firm is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of marine inflatable lifejackets.

It has partnered with fellow British business and renowned electronic engineering and maritime communications specialist Ocean Signal to integrate the rescueME MOB1 device into three models of lifejackets.

The rescueME MOB1 activates automatically when a lifejacket is inflated, communicating with vessels within a five-mile radius and also linking to a rescue satellite network.

ISP commercial director Geoff Billington said it is the first time an AIS (Automatic Identification System) has been built into an ISP lifejacket as a standard design.

The innovative technology now comes fitted inside ISP’s Challenger Worksafe Pro, Interlock 275 and 170 Newton leisure lifejackets. The new products are being launched next week at Amsterdam maritime trade show METS.

“METS provides an excellent platform to launch a new range of lifejacket models with integrated AIS,” said Mr Billington. “The event is expected to attract more than 20,000 maritime industry professionals, who are specifically coming to see innovation and exchange new ideas.

“Supplying lifejackets with standard AIS is a new concept in the leisure and commercial maritime sectors. We have incorporated the technology into three very separate lifejacket models catering for different areas across these markets.

“The rescueME MOB1 device is an extremely clever piece of kit. It is the world’s smallest AIS Man OverBoard system with a DSC (Digital Selective Calling) transmitter.

“DSC is a standard for sending pre-defined digital messages via the medium frequency (MF), high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) maritime radio systems. It is a core part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS).

“The development is the result of our long-standing relationship with Ocean Signal. It benefits from our experience and expertise in each respective field. Essentially, it brings together the best in British lifejacket manufacturing and maritime communication technology into one seamless design.

“ISP shares many common values with Ocean Signal, including the delivery of high-caliber products driving efficiency for the end user. This is what makes our products so compatible.”

ISP’s Challenger Worksafe Pro - now fitted with the AIS ‘Recovery System’ - is designed to be comfortable and unrestricted for users performing heavy manual labor. It has an ergonomic design, with a soft neoprene neck, mesh back and integral crotch-strap. The ISO 12402 approved model further benefits from a radio attachment point, quick burst zip cover, reflective piping and storm flap protection.

Meanwhile, ISP’s Challenger Interlock 275 is specially designed for use as a combined working and abandonment jacket. This second model to be fitted with the AIS ‘Recovery  System’ has a patented interlocking lobe design. This improves buoyancy and turning motion when personnel are wearing large amounts of clothing or survival suits. The SOLAS approved model offers contoured head and neck support, twin back and crotch strap and a hard wearing nylon cover.

The third ISP lifejacket to be boosted with AIS ‘Recovery System’ capability is the 170 Newton leisure lifejacket. This multi-role lifejacket features a slim-line, comfortable ergonomic design including reflective piping, quick burst zip cover and a stainless steel D-ring harness point.

Ocean Signal managing director Alan Wrigley said the lifejackets presented a progressive development for the leisure and commercial marine markets.

“The best chance of rapid rescue if you fall overboard comes from your own vessel,” he said. “Your crew needs to be immediately aware of the incident and keep track of your position whilst recovery is carried out. Even in the most moderate of seas it is alarming how quickly a visual sighting of a man overboard can be lost.

“Once activated the rescueME MOB1 transmits an alert to all AIS receivers and AIS enabled plotters in the vicinity. The integrated GPS, with more than 66 channels, ensures fast and accurate positioning.

“An additional feature is its ability to activate the DSC alarm on your vessels VHF, alerting your crew to the situation.”

The rescueME MOB1 has a 24-hour plus operational life and a seven- year battery life.