Emerald Marine Products Blog

Emerald Marine Products’ blog is full of important and relevant information regarding man-overboard recovery, man-overboard alert systems, water rescue training dummies, and more. From our ALERT system and OSCAR water rescue training dummies to our other marine products, learn everything you need to know about our man-overboard recovery products and more. You’ll also find blog posts that describe how weather impacts man-overboard situations and rescue operations, that detail the release information for new Emerald Marine products, and that discuss the benefits of the OSCAR Water Rescue Training Dummy. Check back often to stay current with safety and training procedures—there’s always something new to learn! Or better yet, subscribe to our periodic email newsletter that presents current marine safety industry information and product updates that highlight man-overboard alerting, training and retrieval procedures.

Further Enhance Your Crew’s Safety

As the United States Coast Guard invites people involved in the Commercial Fishing Industry to learn about the Alternative Safety Compliance Program (ASCP), Emerald Marine Products suggests taking the proposed safety solution a little further to really enhance the potential for saving a life at sea.

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solo sailors should use ALERT for engine-kill

The Value of ALERT2 Man-Overboard Alarm System

  • 30% of all marine fatalities on United States Coastal Waters were from a fall overboard*
  • #1 reason for a fall overboard was trip/slip, #2 reason was lost balance, and #3 is unknown*
  • Most fatalities could have been prevented if two actions occurred: 1. victim wore a Personal Flotation Device and 2. Crew were aware the victim fell overboard

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Coast Guard Releases Towing Industry Safety Data from 1994 – 2014

In 2014 there were four crew fatalities, which is the lowest number on record. Three of the four were a result of crew-members falling into the water. In the past 20 years, 72 fatalities have been a result of falling into water. Emerald Marine Products is glad to see that the number has been reduced over the years, thanks to better prevention and heightened awareness. On average, three fatalities a year occur due to falling in water. In the past eight years, an average of 15 fall into water accidents occur each year, of which six tend to be…


Though AIS Is Required, It May Not Be the Best Solution for Your Safety

The ruling, “Vessel Requirements for Notices of Arrival and Departure and Automatic Identification System”  becomes effective March 2. However, you have until March 1, 2016 to install the AIS.

AIS or Automatic Identification System is now required on all vessels 65 feet or longer. Primarily for the benefit of being able to identify boats in the area, AIS has also been touted as a life-saving technology with fall-overboard (FOB) awareness and location of person who fell overboard using GPS technology embedded in the AIS device. However, the truth is that AIS is not the best…


Why Is a Water Rescue Training Dummy Named Oscar?

For over one-hundred and fifty years, vessels worldwide have used flags to communicate important messages regarding safety and other related matters to passing ships. The “O” flag is part of the International Code of Signals used for Man-Overboard (MOB) occurrences. Vessels may communicate a MOB situation using the phonetic pronunciation of “O” by calling out “Oscar” so the receiver clearly understands the speaker is communicating “O”. Since Oscar has become synonymous with MOB, it only made sense for our water rescue training dummy to be called “Oscar”. However, you can call our product anything you like, as long as…


ALERT2 Is Not Life Insurance, It’s Better.

When describing the benefits of the ALERT2 Man-Overboard Alarm System, many people see it as an insurance policy in keeping you safe and alive. The truth is, ALERT2 is not an insurance policy, it’s a device that may actually help you NOT use your insurance. In addition, ALERT2 can actually save you money on your insurance.

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ALERT2 First

Before an EPIRB, VHF Radio, or Satellite Phone become part of your safety arsenal on your boat, think about the purchase of an ALERT2 safety package. An ALERT2 Transmitter and ALERT2 Receiver is your first defense against a catastrophe on your boat.

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