The Ocean Signal rescueME MOB1 is a compact personal AIS man overboard beacon designed for installation inside most inflatable lifejackets. When properly installed, inflation of the lifejacket automatically deploys the antenna and activates the beacon, allowing the first emergency transmission to begin within approximately 15 seconds.

Once activated, the MOB1 uses its integrated GPS receiver to determine the wearer’s position and broadcasts an AIS man overboard alert to compatible AIS receivers and AIS-enabled chartplotters aboard the parent vessel and other nearby vessels. This allows the crew to quickly identify the emergency, view the person’s location, and track their position during recovery efforts.

AIS and DSC Man Overboard Alerting

The MOB1 transmits on both international AIS frequencies using a 1-watt AIS signal. The alert appears on compatible marine electronics as an AIS man overboard target, providing position information that can help guide the vessel back to the person in the water.

An integrated Digital Selective Calling transmitter can also send an alert to a compatible DSC-equipped marine VHF radio. The vessel’s MMSI number can be programmed into the MOB1, allowing the beacon to trigger an audible DSC alarm aboard the parent vessel. DSC functionality may vary depending on the country, radio model, and age of the installed VHF equipment.

A high-intensity flashing strobe light improves visibility during nighttime recoveries, poor weather, and reduced visibility conditions. The beacon can provide an effective range of up to approximately 5 miles, although actual performance will depend on antenna height, sea conditions, surrounding vessels, and other environmental factors.

Designed for Inflatable Lifejackets

The MOB1 is approximately 30% smaller than many competing AIS man overboard devices and is designed to fit inside even compact inflatable lifejackets. The included mounting system secures the beacon near the lifejacket’s oral inflation tube.

When the lifejacket inflates, the activation tape releases the antenna and automatically switches on the beacon. The MOB1 can also be manually activated when necessary. Always consult the lifejacket manufacturer before installation and follow the Ocean Signal mounting instructions carefully. Proper placement and arming are important for reliable automatic deployment without interfering with lifejacket inflation.

Compact, Durable and Ready for Emergency Use

The Ocean Signal MOB1 measures approximately 134 x 38 x 27 mm and weighs only 92 grams. It is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters and is designed to operate in temperatures from -20°C to +55°C.

The integrated battery provides more than 24 hours of typical operating life and has a seven-year storage life. At extreme temperatures of -20°C, the beacon provides more than 12 hours of operating life.

The MOB1 transmits AIS position reports on 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz and transmits DSC alerts on 156.525 MHz, VHF Channel 70. The beacon complies with RTCM SC11901 and EN 303 098-1 standards.

MMSI Programming and Equipment Compatibility

Each MOB1 is factory programmed with a permanent AIS man overboard identity beginning with 972. This AIS identity is unique to the beacon and cannot be changed.

The vessel’s standard nine-digit MMSI number can be programmed separately into the MOB1 for DSC alerting. This vessel MMSI can be updated if the beacon is later transferred to another boat.

Most modern AIS receivers, AIS-enabled multifunction displays, and DSC-equipped marine VHF radios support the transmissions used by the MOB1. Compatibility should be confirmed with the electronics manufacturer, particularly when the vessel has an older chartplotter or DSC radio.

Important Safety and Regulatory Information

The MOB1 is a short-range AIS man overboard locating device and is not an EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon. It does not transmit through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite rescue network and should not be considered a replacement for an EPIRB or PLB when worldwide satellite distress alerting is required.

DSC functions and AIS man overboard regulations vary by country. Some European countries have implemented newer AIS Class M requirements that may restrict use of the MOB1. Customers planning to use the beacon outside the United States should verify current regulations for their country and operating area before purchase.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: rescueME MOB1
Manufacturer Part Number: 740S-01551
AIS Transmit Power: 1 watt EIRP
DSC Transmit Power: 0.5 watt EIRP
Battery Storage Life: 7 years
Typical Operating Life: More than 24 hours
Waterproof Rating: 10 meters
Weight: 92 grams
Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom

TYPICAL USAGE SCENARIO

IN-THE-BOX

The Ocean Signal safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro is an advanced Category I Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon combining worldwide 406 MHz satellite distress alerting with local AIS transmission, Galileo Return Link Service, Near Field Communication, and visible and infrared strobe lights.

Supplied with an automatic-release float-free housing, the EPIRB3 Pro is designed for recreational, commercial, fishing, and SOLAS vessels requiring an EPIRB capable of deploying even when the crew cannot reach the beacon. Its combination of global satellite alerting and local AIS locating technology gives search and rescue authorities and nearby vessels more ways to identify and locate the emergency.

Worldwide 406 MHz Distress Alerting

When activated, the EPIRB3 Pro transmits a digital distress message on 406.031 MHz through the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite network. The alert includes the beacon’s unique identification and its GNSS-derived position, allowing the appropriate Rescue Coordination Center to identify the vessel and begin coordinating a response.

The integrated 72-channel GNSS receiver uses GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite networks to determine the beacon’s location. Position information is included with the satellite distress transmission and is continuously updated as the beacon drifts.

Local AIS Distress Transmission

In addition to notifying rescue authorities through the satellite network, the EPIRB3 Pro broadcasts an AIS distress target on 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz. The 1-watt AIS transmission can be received by nearby vessels, aircraft, and search and rescue units equipped with compatible AIS equipment.

The beacon transmits AIS Message 1 position reports and Message 14 safety-related status messages. Nearby AIS-equipped vessels can see the emergency target on their chartplotter or AIS display and navigate directly toward the beacon’s current position. This local alerting capability may allow a nearby vessel to begin assisting before dedicated rescue resources arrive.

Return Link Service Confirmation

The EPIRB3 Pro supports Galileo Return Link Service, commonly known as RLS. After the distress message has been received and processed through the satellite system, a return signal is transmitted back to the beacon.

A flashing blue indicator confirms to the user that the distress message, beacon identification, and position have been received through the satellite network. RLS does not indicate that rescue personnel have arrived, but it provides valuable reassurance that the emergency alert has successfully entered the search and rescue system.

Category I Automatic Float-Free Deployment

The included Category I automatic-release housing securely protects the EPIRB while allowing it to deploy without crew intervention if the vessel sinks. The housing uses an Ocean Signal HR1E Hydrostatic Release Unit to release the beacon as the vessel submerges.

After release, the EPIRB floats to the surface and automatically activates when its water contacts are exposed. The beacon can also be removed from the housing and manually activated during an abandon-ship emergency.

The automatic-release housing must be installed externally in a location where the EPIRB can float free without becoming trapped by railings, equipment, rigging, or the structure of the sinking vessel. The mounting position should also remain accessible for inspection, testing, and Hydrostatic Release Unit replacement.

NFC Smartphone Diagnostics

Near Field Communication allows beacon information and test history to be viewed using the free Ocean Signal mobile app. Placing a compatible smartphone near the NFC area on the EPIRB provides access to information without drawing power from the beacon’s battery.

The app can display the remaining battery life, programmed beacon information, the number and results of completed self-tests, GNSS test history, and the total time the beacon has been activated. GNSS test results can include the test location, date and time, time required to obtain a position, number of satellites used, and reported position accuracy.

Visible and Infrared Strobe Lights

The EPIRB3 Pro includes both a high-intensity white LED strobe and an infrared strobe designed for use with night-vision equipment. The visible strobe produces an average intensity greater than one candela, while the infrared light provides an additional locating aid for properly equipped search and rescue crews.

The combination of the 121.5 MHz homing transmitter, AIS position reports, visible strobe, and infrared strobe helps rescuers locate the beacon during the final stages of a recovery in daylight, darkness, poor weather, or reduced visibility.

Long-Life Emergency Performance

The EPIRB3 Pro uses a non-rechargeable lithium iron disulfide battery with a 10-year replacement interval. Once activated, the beacon provides more than 48 hours of operation at temperatures as low as -20°C.

The beacon is buoyant and designed for operation between -20°C and +55°C. Routine functional and GNSS testing allows the condition of the beacon to be checked throughout its service life. The manufacturer recommends monthly functional testing and periodic GNSS testing in accordance with the user manual.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: safeSEA EPIRB3 Pro
Manufacturer Part Number: 702S-03933
Deployment Category: Category I automatic release and float-free
Mounting System: Automatic-release housing with HR1E Hydrostatic Release Unit
Primary Distress Frequency: 406.031 MHz
406 MHz Transmit Power: 12 watts EIRP
AIS Transmit Power: 1 watt EIRP
AIS Frequencies: 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz
AIS Messages: Message 1 position and Message 14 status
Homing Frequency: 121.5 MHz
Homing Transmit Power: 50 mW nominal
GNSS Receiver: 72-channel GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS
Strobe Lights: High-intensity visible LED and infrared
Operating Life: More than 48 hours at -20°C
Battery Replacement Interval: 10 years
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
Approval: GMDSS and SOLAS approved
Warranty: Two years, extendable to five years through Ocean Signal product registration

Beacon Registration and Maintenance

Every 406 MHz EPIRB must be registered with the appropriate national beacon registration authority before it is placed into service. Registration allows search and rescue authorities to connect the transmitted beacon identification with the vessel, owner, emergency contacts, and other information that may be useful during a rescue response.

Registration is free for U.S.-coded beacons through NOAA. Registration information should be updated whenever the vessel, owner, contact information, or emergency contacts change.

Register or Update a U.S. 406 MHz Beacon with NOAA

The HR1E Hydrostatic Release Unit must be replaced two years after installation and no later than three years from its date of manufacture. The EPIRB battery must be replaced before its marked expiration date, following an emergency activation, or when indicated by the beacon’s self-test results.

Important Safety Information

The EPIRB3 Pro should only be activated in a situation of grave and imminent danger. Accidental or deliberate misuse of an EPIRB can divert search and rescue resources away from an actual emergency and may result in penalties.

The beacon’s lanyard is intended to secure the activated EPIRB to a life raft, survival craft, or person. It should never be attached directly to the vessel because the beacon could be pulled below the surface if the vessel sinks.

Product Manual

Download the Ocean Signal EPIRB3 Pro User Manual

The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 is an exceptionally compact Personal Locator Beacon designed to connect its user directly with worldwide search and rescue services during a grave and imminent emergency. Suitable for marine, aviation, hiking, climbing, hunting, remote work, and other outdoor activities, the PLB1 provides dependable satellite distress alerting anywhere within the coverage of the international Cospas-Sarsat system.

Once activated, the rescueME PLB1 transmits its unique beacon identification and GPS-derived position through the dedicated 406 MHz search and rescue satellite network. The alert is routed to the appropriate Rescue Coordination Center so that emergency services can identify the registered owner, determine the beacon’s location, and begin coordinating a response. Cospas-Sarsat service is government-supported and does not require a subscription or ongoing service plan.

406 MHz Distress Alerting with Integrated GPS

The rescueME PLB1 transmits a powerful 5-watt distress signal on 406.040 MHz. Its integrated 66-channel GPS receiver determines the user’s position and includes that location with the emergency transmission, helping search and rescue authorities reduce the area they need to search.

The satellite network can determine an approximate beacon location from the 406 MHz transmission alone. Once the PLB1 obtains a reliable GPS position, location accuracy is typically within approximately 100 meters. The beacon continues transmitting its distress identification and updated position throughout the emergency.

121.5 MHz Homing Signal and LED Strobe

In addition to its primary satellite distress transmission, the PLB1 broadcasts a 121.5 MHz homing signal. Search and rescue aircraft, vessels, and ground teams equipped with compatible direction-finding equipment can use this signal during the final stages of a rescue to locate the beacon more precisely.

An integrated high-intensity white LED strobe produces approximately one candela of light and flashes between 20 and 30 times per minute. The strobe provides an additional visual locating aid during nighttime operations and other low-visibility conditions.

Compact One-Handed Operation

The rescueME PLB1 is approximately 30% smaller by volume than many conventional Personal Locator Beacons and weighs only 116 grams. Its compact design allows it to be carried on a belt, attached to protective clothing, mounted to compatible safety equipment, or stored in an emergency kit without taking up significant space.

A spring-loaded protective flap covers the activation controls to reduce the risk of accidental operation. During an emergency, the retractable antenna is pulled fully from the beacon using the black tab. The protective flap is then lifted and the activation button is pressed for one second. The PLB1 can be activated and operated with one hand when necessary.

The included mounting cradle uses a flexible strap to secure the PLB1 to a belt, clothing, or other suitable equipment. When installing the beacon directly on a lifejacket or another personal flotation device, always follow the lifejacket manufacturer’s instructions and secure the beacon to the wearer with its lanyard.

Rugged Construction and Long-Life Battery

The PLB1 is waterproof to a depth of 15 meters and is designed to operate in temperatures from -20°C to +55°C. Its lithium manganese dioxide battery provides more than 24 hours of emergency operation at -20°C and has a seven-year replacement interval under normal storage and testing conditions.

Routine beacon and GPS self-tests allow the owner to check the PLB1 without transmitting an emergency distress alert. Ocean Signal recommends performing the standard beacon test monthly. Testing should always be completed according to the instructions in the owner’s manual because every test uses a small amount of the beacon’s battery capacity.

Important Flotation and Operating Information

The rescueME PLB1 does not float unless it is fitted with the optional Ocean Signal flotation pouch. The flotation pouch provides buoyancy and can help recover the beacon if it is dropped into the water, but the PLB1 is not designed to transmit while floating inside the pouch.

When activated over water, the beacon should be securely tethered to the user or life raft and held clear of the water. The PLB1 should be positioned with its antenna vertical and the area marked for the GPS antenna kept clear of obstructions. The beacon should not be submerged or allowed to float freely while transmitting.

The rescueME PLB1 is a manually activated Personal Locator Beacon. It does not automatically activate when a lifejacket inflates or when it enters the water. Users seeking automatic lifejacket activation and local AIS man overboard alerting should consider an appropriate Ocean Signal AIS MOB beacon or the rescueME PLB3.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: rescueME PLB1
Manufacturer Part Number: 730S-01261
Beacon Type: Personal Locator Beacon
Activation: Manual
Satellite Network: Cospas-Sarsat
Primary Distress Frequency: 406.040 MHz
406 MHz Transmit Power: 5 watts nominal
Homing Frequency: 121.5 MHz
Homing Transmit Power: 25 to 100 mW
GPS Receiver: Integrated 66-channel GPS
Strobe: High-intensity white LED, approximately one candela
Operating Life: More than 24 hours at -20°C
Battery Replacement Interval: 7 years
Battery Chemistry: Lithium manganese dioxide
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
Waterproof Rating: 15 meters
Dimensions: Approximately 76 x 52 x 32 mm
Weight: 116 grams
Flotation: Optional flotation pouch required
Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Warranty: Two years, extendable by an additional three years through Ocean Signal product registration

Beacon Registration

Every 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon must be registered with the appropriate national beacon registration authority before being placed into service. Registration connects the beacon’s unique 15-digit identification number with the owner, emergency contacts, and other information that may assist search and rescue authorities.

Registration is free for U.S.-coded Personal Locator Beacons through NOAA. The registration should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever the owner’s contact information, emergency contacts, or intended use changes.

Register or Update a U.S. 406 MHz Beacon with NOAA

Battery Replacement and Emergency Use

The PLB1 battery is not user replaceable. Battery service must be completed by an authorized service provider before the expiration date marked on the beacon. The battery must also be replaced after an emergency activation, following significant accidental use, or when the self-test indicator shows that the battery has been used.

The rescueME PLB1 should only be activated during a situation of grave and imminent danger. If the beacon is accidentally activated, switch it off and contact the appropriate rescue authority as soon as possible with the beacon’s 15-digit identification number, the time of activation, and the user’s current location.

Product Manual

Download the Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 User Manual

The Ocean Signal safeSEA S100 Radar SART is a compact Search and Rescue Transponder designed to help rescue vessels and aircraft locate liferafts, survival craft, and vessels in distress. Fully compliant with IMO SOLAS and GMDSS requirements, the S100 provides a highly visible directional target on compatible X-band radar displays.

Once manually activated, the S100 remains in standby while listening for radar signals from nearby vessels or aircraft. When interrogated by an X-band radar, the SART automatically responds with a series of pulses that appear as a distinctive line of twelve blips on the radar display, giving rescuers a clear bearing toward the survival craft.

Guides Rescue Crews Directly to the Emergency

The S100 operates across the 9.2 to 9.5 GHz marine X-band radar frequency range. When a nearby radar sweep reaches the SART, it responds automatically with twelve transmissions for each interrogation.

At longer distances, the response normally appears on the rescue vessel’s radar as a line of twelve evenly spaced blips extending outward from the SART’s position. As the rescue vessel approaches, the blips begin to widen into arcs and eventually become concentric circles, providing a clear indication that the rescuers are closing in on the survival craft.

A flashing red indicator confirms that the S100 is operating in standby mode. When the SART detects an incoming radar pulse and begins responding, the indicator flashes rapidly to show that it is being interrogated.

Designed for Liferafts and Survival Craft

The safeSEA S100 is compact enough for storage aboard a vessel or inside suitable liferaft equipment. It is supplied with a quick-release mounting bracket that can be installed on a wall or bulkhead in an accessible and protected location.

During an emergency, the SART should be removed from its bracket, manually activated, securely tethered to the liferaft, and positioned upright as high above the water as possible. The S100 can be attached directly to a liferaft canopy or used with the separately available Ocean Signal telescopic mounting pole.

For maximum performance, Ocean Signal recommends positioning the SART at least 1 meter or 3.3 feet above sea level. Raising the SART improves its radar horizon and increases the likelihood that it will be detected by approaching rescue vessels and aircraft.

Extended Standby and Operating Life

The S100 uses an Ocean Signal LB3S lithium iron disulfide battery module with a five-year replacement interval. The battery provides more than 96 hours of standby operation followed by more than 12 hours of active radar response operation, even at temperatures as low as -20°C.

The battery module is user replaceable, although commercial vessels may be subject to local Shore Based Maintenance requirements. Only the approved Ocean Signal replacement battery should be used to maintain the SART’s equipment approvals and specified emergency performance.

Rugged Marine Construction

The safeSEA S100 is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters and is designed to withstand a drop into the water from a height of up to 20 meters. It operates in temperatures from -20°C to +55°C and is suitable for the demanding conditions found aboard commercial vessels, passenger ships, fishing vessels, offshore yachts, lifeboats, and liferafts.

The compact enclosure measures approximately 227 mm high with a body diameter of 65 mm and a maximum width of approximately 82 mm. A compass-safe distance of at least 1 meter should be maintained when selecting the onboard mounting location.

SOLAS and GMDSS Carriage Requirements

The safeSEA S100 is approved as a Radar Search and Rescue Transponder for vessels operating under IMO SOLAS and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System requirements. Depending on the vessel’s size, classification, operation, and flag-state regulations, one or more SARTs may be required aboard passenger ships, cargo vessels, commercial workboats, fishing vessels, and vessels engaged in international voyages.

Vessels between 300 and 500 gross tonnage generally require at least one SART, while vessels over 500 gross tonnage generally require two. Ro-Ro passenger vessels may require one SART for every four liferafts. Vessel owners and operators should confirm the exact carriage requirements that apply to their vessel with the appropriate regulatory or inspecting authority.

Important Distress Alerting Information

A Radar SART is a locating device and is not a primary distress-alerting beacon. The S100 does not contact rescue authorities, transmit through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, or broadcast a GPS position. It should be carried and used alongside an appropriate primary distress-alerting system such as an EPIRB, DSC-equipped marine radio, or approved satellite communications terminal.

The S100 should only be activated during a situation of grave and imminent danger. Because Test Mode produces the same radar response as emergency operation, testing should be kept brief and performed in accordance with the Ocean Signal user manual to avoid misleading nearby vessels and unnecessarily reducing battery capacity.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Ocean Signal
Model: safeSEA S100
Manufacturer Part Number: 710S-00607
Product Type: Radar Search and Rescue Transponder
Radar Band: X-band
Frequency Range: 9.2 to 9.5 GHz
Radiated Output Power: Greater than 400 mW EIRP
Radar Response: 12 sweeps per interrogation
Battery: Ocean Signal LB3S lithium iron disulfide battery module
Standby Life: More than 96 hours at -20°C
Active Operating Life: More than 12 hours at -20°C
Battery Replacement Interval: 5 years
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to +65°C
Waterproof Rating: 10 meters
Drop Resistance: 20 meters onto water
Height: 227 mm
Body Diameter: 65 mm, approximately 82 mm maximum width
Compass-Safe Distance: 1 meter
Standards: IEC 61097-1 and IEC 60945
Approvals: IMO SOLAS, GMDSS, EU Marine Equipment Directive, UK Marine Equipment Regulations, and FCC Part 80
Warranty: Two-year limited warranty

What Is Included

The Ocean Signal safeSEA S100 package includes the S100 Radar SART, LB3S lithium battery module, quick-release storage bracket, mounting screws, battery hex key, and documentation.

Please note: The telescopic SART mounting pole shown in some product images is sold separately. The optional Ocean Signal pole is manufacturer part number 711S-01802. The replacement LB3S battery module is manufacturer part number 711S-00609.

Product Manual

Download the Ocean Signal safeSEA S100 Radar SART User Manual