Category Archives: Man Overboard

“Seeing Below The Surface: Ladar Trials Promise Enhanced Vessel Safety” –Maritime Executive

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Ladar allows Color Line’s officers to perform safe deviation from the set course, maximizing fuel efficiency without increased risk of grounding.

Maritime Executive reports that,

Norwegian operator Color Line has been trialing Ladar, a light-based laser technology anti-collision system designed to identify floating objects on or under the surface of the water, including drifting fishing nets, logs, containers and ice, as well as plastic and other flotsam.

Wonder if this might be useful in finding people in the water, especially in rough weather and at night?

“The system we tested was better at detecting smaller items than we had anticipated, but not as good on metal objects in still water.”

The reason for this: waves caused by wind increase disturbance in the water around an object, making it easier to detect. “This includes up to storm level winds,” Dokken confirms. “The more activity in the water, the better.”

Frequently we need to go close to shore to execute a rescue. This could conceivably allow us to get closer without running aground, than we would using charts alone.

Might also be useful for the Waterways Commerce Cutters that operate in rivers with shifting bottom contours.

Really the Navy and Marines should be interested in this too.

Sounds like a good project for the R&D Center.

Man Overboard Alarm

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Photo: ALERT2 Man-Overboard Alarm System from Emerald Marine Products 

Loosing a man overboard is one of those nightmares you never want happening on your watch. I was CG liaison officer at Fleet Training Group San Diego when a 210 that had recently lost two men over board came through for REFTRA. Four crewmen, being good sailors, took it upon themselves to go on deck during a storm to secure some loose equipment. All four were washed overboard. The sea then deposited two of them back on board. The other two were never found, so it does happen.

MarineLink has a story about a device that alarms the watch when its wearer goes in the water.

“Upon receiving an MOB activation signal, the AR100 Receiver sets off a loud, 95 dB alarm and bright red alert light on the display. It can be wired to shut down engines—essential for solo mariners and fishermen. Connected to a compatible GPS chartplotter, it automatically sets an overboard waypoint. External speakers and strobes can be utilized with the AR100. It can also be configured to alert via a remote cellular dial-up, radio transmission burst or Internet-connected device. The AR100 Receiver runs on 12V, or on 110V using the optional power supply. It comes with a flexible whip antenna, coaxial cable and full mounting hardware.


“The optional ALERT2 Portable Directional Finder aids crew in locating the MOB when visual contact is lost due to darkness or sea conditions. Unlike AIS, which is typically installed in the wheelhouse, the directional finder can be used on deck. Rescuers sweep the horizon to quickly home-in on the transmitter’s signal for a fast recovery.

“Emerald Marine Products’ ALERT2 AT101 Transmitter lists for $269, the AT200 IS model for $369, the AR100 Receiver for $749 and the Portable Directional Finder for $899. Discounted pricing is available for packages.”

Note, I don’t really know if this a good company or its products are the best of the type, so I’m not endorsing the particular product, but simply pointing out that such things exist. Maybe the Coast Guard is already using them. I know I would feel better, if I knew my BMOW was wearing a device with the capability claimed for these.