Any device designed as a man overboard alarm must have a bulletproof means of attaching the device to a person’s body or apparel. When you hit the water from 15 feet, the force of impact alone can rip a ring from your finger. Some units will only work when submerged, requiring careful thought into how and where the pendant will be worn.
1. The ORCAdsc can be worn as a pendant, using the antenna as a neck lanyard. A pouch with belt loop offers a more secure means of attachment. In either case, the unit must be worn so that it will easily immerse, yet keep the antenna out of the water.
2. The Raymarine LifeTag beacon, reviewed in May 2008, came with an elastic arm band. While easy to fit, the system was not as secure as others.
3. The Mobilarm Crewsafe beacons come with two different backs, the belt-loop back shown here will fit to belt-loops or straps on a life jacket or harness. The plastic clip is removable, a convenience that also increases the risk of the clip detaching when a person hits the water.
