AN EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF A MAN OVERBOARD DETECTION AND LOCATION SYSTEM

This project deals with development of a man overboard detection and location system for use on documented vessels. Preliminary research indicated that radio (RF) systems offered more potential than sonar. The concept for use of the RF system involves a small transmitter the size of a metal tape rule to be worn by each crewman while on deck. In the event of a fall overboard, the unit automatically begins transmitting which actuates an alarm and serves as a homing device for rescue. The major part of this effort was the demonstration of successful reception of an RF signal from a small prototype man overboard type of transmitter located at varying depths in fresh and salt water. Range for fresh water tests was greater than one mile. Range for salt water was considerably less. A program for development of an operational man overboard system for Great Lakes, inland waters/rivers, and deep sea vessels is discussed. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Wyle Laboratories

  7800 Governors Drive West
  Huntsville, AL  United States  35805
• Authors:
  • Bowman, J
  • Douglas, R
  • Giuntini, R
  • Lunn, D
  • Sager, E
• Publication Date: 1977-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 78 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Antennas; Beacons; Crashes; Detectors; Emergency radio equipment; Fresh water; Inland waterways; Occupational safety; Radio beacons; Radio direction finders; Radio receivers; Radio transmitters; Radio waves; Rescue equipment; Search and rescue operations; Seawater; Shipboard personnel; Ships; Survival; Vehicle range; Warning systems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Direction finding; Shipboard
• Geographic Terms: Great Lakes
• Old TRIS Terms: Continuous waves; Crew safety; Detection systems; Locators; Loop antennas; Personnel detectors; Range distance; Rescue beacons; Water activated batteries
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00117473
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: USCG-D-71-77 Final Rpt., MSR-77-62
• Contract Numbers: DOT-CG-40672-A
• Files: NTIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 29 1978 12:00AM