RescueMe MOB1 any practical experience?

[pcatterall]

This AIS/DSC device is on our list for consideration as a safety device.
We want to use it with our 7 year old NASA AIS receiver.
Has anyone used/tested this device? was it easy to set up with the DSC and the AIS?
I recognise that our AIS will probably only show the device as a yacht and not a MOB, nor should we expect any alarm
though we expect an audible alarm from the DSC.
Different skippers use the boat and I would like them all to test it. Are there limits concerning testing and battery life?
Any informed advice welcome. At this time we just want to focus on this type of device not other systems.

 

[Kukri]

Same question. Holding off from buying as it seems too good to be true.

 

[emnick]

Do you share life jackets or have your own? This unit actually fits into the LJ and straps around the bladder. Easy enough to prog your MMSI and I have only tested it. The unit will count the number of tests and battery life etc. It seems to work well, but I had to send one back as it would not transmit AIS they sent it back with no fault found??

 

[lampshuk]

I have a MOB1 which I fitted to my wife's lifejacket for automatic activation. I have a PLB1 on mine since I occasionally single-hand.

I found it hard to program the boat's MMSI using my home computer, but the phone app seemed to provide an intense enough light to get the job done.

When I tested it (having called CG first) , the radio alarm went off, and on my Vesper AIS system I got an "emergency" icon with a code number, though not the label "MOB1 Test" that the instructions led me to expect.

So - yes, they do work. Haven't used it in anger, though. It's been installed for 4 years and still working (testing green).

A bit of a fiddle to fit inside the lifejacket, though. A Crewsaver 180N. It's rather crowded in there with the "optional" light and storm hood.
Do-able, though.

 

[ShinyShoe]

DSC test: max twice a year
AIS test: max three times a year

The waterproof test spec is stupid

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks all thats a good start!. The fitting to the Life jacket could be an issue. We planned to, initially, just have one unit and worn always by the person on watch especially at night. We would either have to swap over the unit or crew would have to exchange LJs when changing watch keeper.

 

[knuterikt]

Thanks all thats a good start!. The fitting to the Life jacket could be an issue. We planned to, initially, just have one unit and worn always by the person on watch especially at night. We would either have to swap over the unit or crew would have to exchange LJs when changing watch keeper.

One extra LJ for the person on watch?

 

[lampshuk]

Thanks all thats a good start!. The fitting to the Life jacket could be an issue. We planned to, initially, just have one unit and worn always by the person on watch especially at night. We would either have to swap over the unit or crew would have to exchange LJs when changing watch keeper.

Sounds like a faff. I think there are other units that are less compact, but have a pouch for attaching to a belt or similar. Would be easier to swap over. Or something similar may exist for the MOB1. I suppose you might not get the auto-activate function, though.

 

[Kukri]

Had been holding off buying new Teamo Backtow life jackets as wasn’t sure about the MOB1. Phoned them. Yes, they can retrofit. Bought LJs without MOB1s and will ask for them to be retrofitted if I am convinced about the MOB1. Am convinced about the Backtow LJ.

 

[knuterikt]

This test is interesting https://www.yachtingworld.com/featu...ices-help-your-crew-to-save-your-life-69914/2

 

[pcatterall]

Had been holding off buying new Teamo Backtow life jackets as wasn’t sure about the MOB1. Phoned them. Yes, they can retrofit. Bought LJs without MOB1s and will ask for them to be retrofitted if I am convinced about the MOB1. Am convinced about the Backtow LJ.

I plan to try fitting them myself. It seems that you may need to experiment with the length of the cord that pulls the switch on as the LJ is inflated. So should be able to use the mouth tube and observe what goes on .

 

[Elemental]

Resurrecting this thread ...
I've just installed Ocean Safety AIS MOB1 units into my, and my partner's lifejackets. We have Kru Sprt Adv. Lifejackets which we bought 12 months ago (very comfortable). Apparently these are designed with the unit in mind - indeed the manual inflation tube had markings on it that precisely match the unit's mount bracket.
I found programming and installing the unit straightforward - there no real need to 'experiment' with the operating cord length - just pull it tight enough for a tidy fit. My Garmin chartplotter needed a firmware upgrade to properly handle the AIS MOB sentence.
Although the fit was traightforward, I think any plan to swap them over at watch changes would still be too fiddly to be done routinely. At £200 a pop it's got to be worth one each surely?