What This Product Is Used For
The Klanata AIS MOB Personal Locator Beacon is a dedicated man overboard rescue device that transmits your GPS position over AIS directly to nearby vessels, making it far more effective for maritime recovery than relying on visual signals alone.
Unlike a basic strobe light or whistle, this unit sends real time GPS tracking data through the AIS system, allowing compatible marine plotters and onboard navigation systems to display your exact location. It is designed to be mounted on a life jacket so that if you fall overboard, nearby vessels equipped with AIS can quickly identify and navigate to your position.
The built in LED flashing indicator and audible buzzer provide additional local signalling to support visual and audible detection during rescue.
Who This Product Is Best Suited To
This device is best suited to offshore sailors, commercial crew, yacht owners and serious boaters who operate beyond sheltered waters and want a recovery focused overboard solution.
It is particularly valuable for those sailing in groups, racing, or working at sea where rapid vessel based recovery is the priority.
It also suits users who want a compact, life jacket mounted system that integrates directly with existing AIS equipped navigation equipment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transmits GPS position directly over AIS to compatible marine systems
Minimum 24 hour continuous operation supports extended rescue efforts
Highly visible LED and audible buzzer increase local detection
Long storage life provides confidence in long term readiness
Cons
Requires nearby vessels to have AIS capable equipment for full functionality
Primarily designed for maritime environments rather than land based rescue
Real World Performance and Day to Day Use
Mounted on a life jacket, the unit remains compact and unobtrusive. In an overboard situation, activation transmits a GPS signal through AIS, which can be displayed on compatible chartplotters and navigation systems.
This direct digital transmission removes guesswork. Rather than searching visually across open water, crew members can follow a plotted position on their display. The LED flashing light and audible buzzer add additional layers of signalling, improving both night time and close range visibility.
With a minimum of 24 hours continuous operation after activation, the device is built to support prolonged rescue scenarios. The battery storage life of up to seven years supports long term reliability without frequent replacement.
Why We Like This Product
From the YPC Team perspective, AIS transmission is the major advantage. In a genuine man overboard event, speed and precision matter. Being able to see an exact position on a plotter changes the recovery dynamic completely.
A common mistake is relying only on visual markers or basic strobes. While they help, they do not provide positional data. An AIS MOB beacon dramatically improves the accuracy of vessel based retrieval when AIS equipment is present.
Comparisons With Similar Systems
Compared with water activated strobe lights
Strobe lights improve visibility but do not transmit digital position data. This AIS MOB beacon makes more sense when you want your exact GPS position displayed on nearby marine systems.
Compared with satellite personal locator beacons
Satellite beacons can alert rescue authorities over long distances. This AIS MOB device is optimised for rapid recovery by nearby vessels rather than global satellite alerting. Choose satellite PLBs for remote offshore cruising without nearby traffic. Choose AIS MOB for vessel to vessel recovery.
Compared with traditional man overboard alarms
Basic alarms rely on crew awareness and visual search. This unit adds GPS transmission over AIS, improving precision and reducing search time.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you sail in extremely remote waters without nearby AIS equipped vessels, a satellite based personal locator beacon may provide broader emergency alert coverage. If your focus is purely visual identification, a high intensity water activated strobe light may be a simpler option.
Tips for Getting the Best Performance
Mount the unit securely on an approved life jacket where it remains accessible.
Ensure your vessel and crew are familiar with AIS alarm responses.
Confirm compatibility with your onboard navigation system before departure.
Include the device in routine safety checks alongside life jackets and tethers.
Replace or service the unit in line with manufacturer guidance to maintain readiness.
Full Technical Specification
Product type AIS MOB personal locator beacon
Transmission AIS with GPS tracking data
Compatibility Marine plotters and onboard navigation systems with AIS support
Unique identifier Serialized ID
Visual signal Highly visible 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
Klanata 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.
Do not buy this if you need a global satellite distress alert system or if nearby vessels are unlikely to have AIS compatible equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AIS MOB mean?
AIS MOB stands for Automatic Identification System Man Overboard. It transmits your GPS location to nearby AIS equipped vessels.
Will this work with my boat’s chartplotter?
It is designed to transmit GPS data over AIS and 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 offers a storage life of up to seven years.
Does it have a visible light as well as AIS transmission?
Yes. It includes a highly visible LED flashing indicator.
Is there an audible signal?
Yes. It features an audible buzzer to assist in close range rescue.
Can it be attached to any life jacket?
It is compact and designed for mounting on life jackets or vests used in marine environments.
Is this suitable for kayaking or small craft use?
Yes. It can be used on life jackets for small craft where nearby vessels have AIS capability.
Is this a replacement for standard marine flares?
It is a digital man overboard recovery device. Flares may still be required depending on your safety plan and regulations.
Looking for more options?
Browse our full range of Personal Location Beacons for other great choices to suit your space, goals, and budget.
