What’s a VPIRB?

The Mobilarm V100 VPIRB (VHF Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is the first fully-automated Maritime Survivor Locating Device designed specifically to use VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) and VHF voice to transmit an emergency distress signal in a man overboard (MOB) emergency.

The Mobilarm V100 automatically transmits a “MAYDAY MAN OVERBOARD” alert via VHF DSC on marine channel 70 when the device detects the wearer has gone overboard. Once a GPS lock is acquired, typically in less than 30 seconds, the Mobilarm V100 transmits a “MAYDAY MAN OVERBOARD” alert again, including the latitude and longitude coordinates of the person in the water, via VHF DSC and also by a synthesised VHF voice message on channel 16. The distress signal is broadcast to all vessels in the vicinity, including the distressed mariner’s vessel and any onshore VHF receiver within range. Messages are repeated at regular intervals until the MOB is rescued.

The Mobilarm V100 provides instant notification to the mariner's vessel that one of the crew has been lost overboard, alerting the people who are in the best position to rescue the MOB - the crew onboard - and ensuring they are deployed as soon as possible to minimise the length of time the casulty spends in the water.

How the VPIRB works

(not to scale)

Not just another PLB

Most conventional marine personal locating beacons (406MHz PLBs) must be manually activated to send an emergency signal - as mandated by regulatory authorities. This may be difficult or impossible to do if a MOB is injured or unconscious. The Mobilarm V100 VPIRB is automatically activated from the 'armed' position when it is immersed in water for 5 seconds, but can also be manually activated.

Furthermore, personal locator beacons transmit the emergency signal to a remote onshore location, which can introduce unnecessary delay in the recovery of an MOB - greatly reducing their chances of survival.

VPIRBs provide instant notification to a mariner’s vessel that a MOB event has occurred, alerting the people who are in the best position to rescue the MOB and ensuring they are deployed as soon as possible.

As long as a VHF radio is on board, no other equipment need be installed. Unlike 121.5 MHz direction finding beacons and satellite locating systems, which demand dedicated receiving base stations, direction finding equipment or satellite time rental, the Mobilarm V100 VPIRB uses only existing industry standard VHF marine radio networks.

Mobilarm V100 VPIRB

The Mobilarm V100 is priced at USD$749. Order now for delivery in December 2008.

We apologise, but due to extended testing and compliance certification time, the Mobilarm V100 will now be available for shipping towards the end of June 2009

Find out more about the V100

Note regarding sale into the USA and FCC compliance: This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.