How an MOB Beacon is Worn Can Impact its Performance

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How an MOB Beacon is Worn Can Impact its Performance

Any device designed as a man overboard alarm must have a bulletproof means of attaching the device to a person’s body or apparel. When you hit the water from 15 feet, the force of impact alone can rip a ring from your finger. Some units will only work when submerged, requiring careful thought into how and where the pendant will be worn.

1. The ORCAdsc can be worn as a pendant, using the antenna as a neck lanyard. A pouch with belt loop offers a more secure means of attachment. In either case, the unit must be worn so that it will easily immerse, yet keep the antenna out of the water.

2. The Raymarine LifeTag beacon, reviewed in May 2008, came with an elastic arm band. While easy to fit, the system was not as secure as others.

3. The Mobilarm Crewsafe beacons come with two different backs, the belt-loop back shown here will fit to belt-loops or straps on a life jacket or harness. The plastic clip is removable, a convenience that also increases the risk of the clip detaching when a person hits the water.

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.