thejtdude

I've been checking out the ACR AISlink and the OCEAN SIGNAL RescueME MOB1.

In the case that the unit is activated, will the Coast Guard respond to the transmitted location or will the unit just put a mark on my AIS connected chart plotter and other boaters units in the area?

I'm trying to determine if I'm out by myself and this unit activates, will the CG come to my aid or will I just end up with a flashing screen on the boat I fell off of?

Thanks

Fwpratt

Unless you are on a crewed vessel,
who can come to your aid,
you want a PLB,
not one of those devices

AIS Link:
"Unlike a personal locator beacon, which signals orbiting search and rescue satellites, AISLink sends an alert message within seconds to all local vessels with an AIS receiver and/or AIS-enabled plotter. Plus, the DSC alarm on your vessel’s VHF radio can also be signaled to make first responders aware of what's going on."

MOB1:

"The MOB1 communicates with the vessel you have been separated from and other vessels in the vicinity (up to 5 miles range dependent on conditions).
To alert rescue authorities, an alternative product the rescueME PLB1 communicates directly via a dedicated search and rescue satellite network."

First Light

Short answer = no, you will end up with a flashing screen on the boat you fell off of. If there are other boats nearby who have AIS, their screens will also flash - but they will likely not know why their screen is flashing as AIS has not been widely accepted, and few boaters know anything about AIS

The Coast Guard will respond to a call on VHF ch 16 (if you are in range), or the activation of an EPIRB or PREPIRB. In your scenario, strap a PREPIRB on yourself or your life jacket if you are concerned about falling off solo.

Clinker

Boat by yourself, get a PLB
Boat on a boat with a crew competent to come and get you, get a personal AIS - but you have to check your plotter is compatible - some have an audible alarm - but I would also go for a PLB.
One plus point of the personal AIS is that it can be auto activated when rigged to an auto inflate life jacket. Regs prevent a PLB from being auto activated.

thejtdude

Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like these devices will not meet my interests but a PLB will.

First Light

Here is the latest ACR PLB, and it's the best of the rest https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-view

thejtdude

That's actually the exact one I ended up purchasing. going to tuck it right into my inflatable life jacket.