What This Product Is Used For
The Juroupi Portable AIS MOB Personal Locator Beacon is a dedicated man overboard rescue device that transmits GPS target tracking information over AIS, offering a far more precise recovery solution than relying on visual spotting alone.
When activated, it sends your GPS position via AIS to compatible marine plotters and onboard navigation systems. This allows nearby vessels equipped with AIS to display your exact location on screen, helping crew respond quickly and navigate directly to you.
Designed for mounting on a life jacket, it is built specifically for overboard survival situations where rapid identification and retrieval are critical.
Who This Product Is Best Suited To
This device is best suited to sailors, offshore crew, yacht owners and marine professionals who operate in environments where AIS equipped vessels are present.
It is particularly valuable for racing crews and offshore sailors who prioritise rapid vessel based recovery in man overboard scenarios.
It also suits users who want a compact, lightweight device that integrates directly with their life jacket without adding bulk.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transmits GPS position over AIS for accurate digital tracking
Compatible with marine plotters and onboard navigation systems
Includes LED flashing indicator and audible buzzer for added visibility
Minimum 24 hour continuous operation supports extended rescue efforts
Long battery storage life provides confidence in readiness
Cons
Requires nearby vessels to have AIS capable equipment
Designed primarily for maritime use rather than land based rescue
Real World Performance and Day to Day Use
Mounted securely on a life jacket, the beacon remains lightweight and unobtrusive. Its compact design makes it practical for continuous wear during offshore passages or racing.
In an overboard situation, activation transmits GPS tracking information over AIS. Nearby vessels with compatible systems can see the target on their display, significantly reducing search time compared to visual scanning alone.
The LED flashing indicator and buzzer add additional layers of signalling for close range detection. With a minimum of 24 hours continuous operation after activation and a battery storage life of up to seven years, the device is built for long term reliability.
Why We Like This Product
From the YPC Team perspective, AIS based tracking is the key advantage. In a genuine overboard emergency, being able to follow a plotted position on a chartplotter changes the recovery process completely.
A common mistake is relying only on a strobe light. While visual signals help, they do not provide digital positioning. An AIS MOB beacon significantly improves the accuracy of vessel based retrieval when AIS equipment is available.
Comparisons With Similar Systems
Compared with water activated strobe lights
Strobe lights improve night time visibility but do not transmit GPS data. This AIS MOB beacon provides precise digital tracking to nearby vessels.
Compared with satellite personal locator beacons
Satellite PLBs alert global rescue authorities. This AIS MOB device is optimised for rapid recovery by nearby AIS equipped vessels rather than long distance satellite coordination.
Compared with AIS only devices without audible alert
This unit includes both LED flashing and a buzzer, adding extra local detection support in addition to AIS transmission.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you sail in extremely remote waters without nearby AIS equipped vessels, a satellite personal locator beacon may provide broader emergency coverage. If your priority is purely visual signalling, a high intensity water activated strobe light may be a simpler option.
Tips for Getting the Best Performance
Mount the beacon securely on a compatible life jacket where it remains accessible.
Ensure your vessel’s AIS system is correctly configured and alarms are enabled.
Conduct man overboard drills that include AIS alert procedures.
Check battery storage dates and service intervals according to official guidance.
Position the unit so it deploys correctly if your life jacket inflates.
Full Technical Specification
Product type AIS MOB personal locator beacon
Transmission AIS with GPS target tracking information
Compatibility Marine plotters and onboard navigation systems with AIS support
Unique identifier Serialized ID
Visual signal LED flashing indicator
Audible signal Built in buzzer
Operating duration Minimum 24 hours continuous operation after activation
Battery storage life Up to 7 years
Design Compact and lightweight for life jacket mounting
Box contents
Juroupi AIS MOB personal locator beacon
Buyer’s Guide
Buy this if you operate offshore with AIS equipped vessels and want precise GPS based man overboard recovery support integrated with your navigation systems.
Do not buy this if you require a global satellite distress alert device or if nearby vessels are unlikely to have AIS capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AIS MOB mean?
AIS MOB stands for Automatic Identification System Man Overboard. It transmits your GPS position to nearby AIS equipped vessels.
Will this work with my boat’s chartplotter?
It is compatible with marine plotters and onboard navigation systems that support AIS.
Does it send a satellite distress signal?
No. It transmits via AIS to nearby vessels rather than through a global satellite network.
How long will it operate once activated?
It supports a minimum of 24 hours of continuous operation after activation.
How long can it be stored before use?
The battery has a storage life of up to seven years.
Does it have a visible light?
Yes. It includes an LED flashing indicator.
Is there an audible alert?
Yes. It features a built in buzzer to assist close range rescue.
Can it be attached to any life jacket?
It is small and lightweight, designed for mounting on life jackets used in marine environments.
Is it suitable for small boats and kayaks?
Yes, provided nearby vessels have AIS capability for receiving the signal.
Is this a replacement for flares?
It is a digital man overboard recovery device. Flares may still be required depending on your safety plan and regulations.
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