Ocean Signal: Introduces New AIS Alarm Box

Communication and safety at sea specialist Ocean Signal is introducing its new AIS Alarm Box to the US market for the first time at this year’s International Miami Boat Show.

Developed to ensure that everyone on the vessel is alerted to a possible Man Overboard (MOB) or a crew in need of rescue, the waterproof AIS Alarm Box provides visual and audible indication the moment any AIS-MOB or AIS-SART signal is received.

The Ocean Signal Alarm Box receives NMEA0183 input from an AIS receiver and detects all received or specific AIS SART and MOB devices, including Ocean Signal’s award-winning rescueME MOB1.

Ensuring the source can be immediately identified, the Alarm Box can be programmed by USB from a Windows PC to alarm on all SARTs, all MOBs or up to 10 individual SART/MOB MMSI numbers or combinations of these. As soon as an AIS transmission is detected, a tone-specific internal alarm is sounded to identify the source – AIS-SART, AIS-MOB, Active or Test Message.

Joe Bauschka, US Sales Manager, Ocean Signal, said: “The new Ocean Signal AIS Alarm Box provides our customers with the additional benefit of possessing a known alarm in the event of an emergency. We consider it an important addition to our range of safety products, which can further enhance the features of our rescueME MOB1 and any other AIS SART and MOB devices. The AIS Alarm Box is an added benefit for MOB1 owners, or owners of other devices, who are not able to rely on a DSC alarm or an AIS receiver / compatible chart plotter. For these people, the Alarm Box could provide crucial indication in an emergency. It also provides a useful method of testing your AIS device.”

Suitable for panel or bracket mount, either on a navigational table or for external installation, the compact AIS Alarm Box receives NMEA input through the port for easy integration and features 38400baud NMEA capability.

Measuring 90mm x 72mm x 72mm, the Alarm Box operates within a temperature range of -15°C and +55°C and is waterproof up to a depth of one metre.

The Alarm Box has dual isolated alarm contact, with one normally open and one closed. It is supplied with power and USB cables.

It is compatible with Ocean Signal’s rescueME MOB1 - the world’s most advanced Man Overboard locating device, incorporating both AIS and DSC technologies within the most compact product on the market at 30% smaller than similar products. The award-winning device is designed to easily integrate into life jackets, ensuring the best chance of rapid rescue for an MOB in extreme conditions.

For more information on the AIS Alarm Box, the rescueME MOB1 and Ocean Signal’s range of products, please visit Booth C296 in Tent C at the Miami Boat Show, or go to the website at www.oceansignal.com.