Here’s an intriguing advancement in man-overboard (MOB) protection: the release of Emerald Marine Products’ ALERT418 Man-Overboard Receiver. This receiver is engineered to deliver instant notification when an MOB occurs, which gives pontooners critical extra seconds that can separate a simple fall from a more serious tragedy.
How exactly does it work? When an ALERT transmitter hits the water, the ALERT418 receiver instantly flashes and sounds an alarm. It displays the transmitter's unique ID number, signal strength, battery strength, and the location of the boat at the time of the occurrence. Thanks to its use of radio signals, there's no satellite lag or waiting for an open channel—and unlike other MOB devices that use a smartphone app, it also doesn't rely on cellular signals and device battery strength.
With an eye towards accessibility, the ALERT418 Man-Overboard Receiver interfaces with popular NMEA 0183-compliant chartplotting software and can even be wired to kill engines or activate external strobes and speakers. FCC- and Industry Canada-approved, you don’t need any additional licenses. Mounting flush or on a bracket, the receiver also features a GPS connection, 15-inch flexible whip antenna, 25-foot coax cable, DB-9 serial port and dry contacts for external alarm capabilities. Emerald Marine Products' ALERT418 Man-Overboard Receiver is made in the USA and costs $1,899.
