AIS PLB on danbuoy

[Porthandbuoy]

I have an AIS PLB, and as I mostly sail single-handed it is integrated into my lifejacket.
Next season I am planning a cruise with two late-middle-age guys new to sailing.
I was wondering if there would be any merit in attaching my PLB to the MOB danbuoy or lifebuoy. The PLB can be set to autoactivate on immersion, and my plotter will pick it up.
Strikes me that it would be a useful addition to the small flag and flashing light if someone went over the side.

 

[duncan99210]

The basic idea is reasonable. However, you need to think through the way you implement it to get the best results in the event of it being used. The beacon will need to be immersed in water before it activates but you will lose a lot of range if you simply attach the beacon to the float of the dan buoy, so you may need to have a longer tether to enable the casualty to lift the beacon clear of the water. Will taking a good load of water over the dan buoy mount set the beacon off? If so, you may need to think about a removable waterproof cover. You will also have to be pretty prompt in dropping the dan buoy if it's to do any good. Finally, think about the fact that the casualty will have to get hold of the dan buoy and remain with it until rescued, which may not always be possible.

Given all of that, you may want to either think about either a second beacon or handing over the beacon between watches.

 

[ShinyShoe]

It also requires the person going over to attract the attention of those left on board and for those left on board to think - chuck the dan buoy.

If you had 4 (1 for each crew and a spare) it would make sense, with just 1 - you'll regret it if you are swimming and they are sailing off oblivious or in a panic trying to remember what instructions you gave them for such situations. If they are swimming at least you will be in control of the boat, be able to hit red buttons etc...

 

[Strikeliner]

It also requires the person going over to attract the attention of those left on board and for those left on board to think - chuck the dan buoy.

If you had 4 (1 for each crew and a spare) it would make sense, with just 1 - you'll regret it if you are swimming and they are sailing off oblivious or in a panic trying to remember what instructions you gave them for such situations. If they are swimming at least you will be in control of the boat, be able to hit red buttons etc...

This is surely the correct way to go. Personal AIS Beacons fitted to lifejackets activate when the jacket inflates and the "safety cap" is pulled off. This cannot be achieved automatically on a Danbuoy. People and Danbuoys may drift at different rates and over a lengthy period this could lead to difficulties.

 

[rogerthebodger]

This is surely the correct way to go. Personal AIS Beacons fitted to lifejackets activate when the jacket inflates and the "safety cap" is pulled off. This cannot be achieved automatically on a Danbuoy. People and Danbuoys may drift at different rates and over a lengthy period this could lead to difficulties.

One of these may be the way to go. Could be cheap enough to have one each.

https://huayang-tech.en.alibaba.com...906/Matsutec_HAB_80_fishing_net_AIS_buoy.html

 

[Strikeliner]

If not then Mrs Strikeliner may be interested..............