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 serious (if not fatal) occurrences.
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 solution for FOB awareness or for that matter, the location of the person who fell overboard.
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 you respect the powerful tool that it is. For further information about OSCAR Water Rescue Training Dummy or other maritime life-saving products contact Emerald Marine Products.
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.
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.