Best MOB Devices UK
Best MOB Devices UK — What Actually Works When Someone Goes Overboard
Man overboard is one of the most time-critical emergencies on any vessel. Seconds matter. In the North Sea in winter, survival time without a survival suit is measured in minutes not hours. The equipment you have and how quickly it can be deployed and used is the difference between a rescue and a recovery.
Here is the honest guide to the best MOB devices available in the UK right now.
Beyond the Lifebuoy — What Modern MOB Equipment Does
A lifebuoy thrown over the side gives the person in the water something to hold onto. It does not tell you where they are. It does not alert other vessels. It does not communicate to the coastguard.
Modern AIS MOB devices do all of those things. When activated — automatically on lifejacket inflation or manually — they transmit the person’s GPS position to your vessel’s chartplotter and any other AIS-equipped vessels in the area. The alert appears on screen with the person’s exact position. You know precisely where they are from the moment the alert fires.
In poor visibility, at night, in rough conditions where a person’s head in the water is impossible to see — this is the technology that saves lives.
Our number 1 Recommended MOB Device
Ocean Signal rescueME MOB2
The world’s smallest Class M compliant AIS MOB device with integrated VHF DSC. Fits inside most inflatable lifejackets, activates automatically on lifejacket inflation, sends the first AIS alert within 15 seconds. Dual IR and white strobe lights, integrated GPS, NFC connectivity for battery status checks via smartphone. The current benchmark for personal MOB technology.
What About a Lifebuoy?
A lifebuoy is still required equipment on commercial vessels and strongly recommended on all recreational vessels. It provides immediate flotation for a person in the water and should be thrown immediately when someone goes overboard. But it is the first response tool — not the complete MOB system.
A complete MOB system on any serious offshore vessel includes a lifebuoy with water-activated light and drogue, a MOB marker buoy, and personal AIS MOB devices clipped to lifejackets.
Seago Horseshoe Lifebuoy Complete Set Man Over Board
A traditional horseshoe lifebuoy foam filled with wipe clean cover. The horseshoe is available on its own or with a SOLAS approved led light with lithium battery and mounting bracket.
FAQs
Does an AIS MOB device replace a PLB?
No. An AIS MOB device alerts your own vessel and nearby vessels via AIS — it communicates locally. A PLB communicates globally via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network to the coastguard. They do different things. Ideally wear both.
Do I need to register an AIS MOB device?
The MOB1 and MOB2 use your vessel’s MMSI number programmed into the device. They do not require the same registration process as EPIRBs or PLBs. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for your specific device.
What is the range of an AIS MOB device?
Up to approximately 5 nautical miles depending on conditions — specifically the height of the antenna above the waterline and sea state.
Always follow MOB drill procedures on every vessel and ensure all crew know the location of MOB equipment. marinesafetyguide.com participates in affiliate programmes including Amazon Associates and may earn a small commission on purchases made through links on this site.
