AIS SART for U.S. vessels and crew

[Roy M]

I previously owned a Raymarine Classic electronics package, which included a MOB ensemble of personal units to set off an alarm (and make an icon appear on the display) should any crewmember get more than one boat length away from the mothership. I recently upgraded to an all-B&G system, and am waiting for the U.S. FCC to approve the use of personal AIS units which will display a MOB icon to any ships in the immediate area. Seems like the best option so far, as the autopilot can then steer for the person rather than where they fell in the water.

My question is...does anyone know what the status of this approval is? I assume they will have to do something with the MMSI to identify the beacon as a separate source from the mothership.

Do any of you "furriners" currently use AIS SART units? What is your opinion of them? Is there a test function that would allow us to practice with them without calling out the cavalry?

[transmitterdan]

These have been for sale in US for a while. Look for McMurdo SmartFind S20. It was formerly called something else.

[barnakiel]

See if a combined DSC / AIS mob device may serve your purpose better.

I think there are more DSC VHF boats around than AIS equipped boats.

b.