WEATHERDOCK easy2-MOB-distress beacon / AIS, DSC

The easy2-MOB from the German manufacturer Weatherdock is a small MOB (man overboard beacon) with DSC and AIS alerting.

It was developed for recreational navigation, but is also used, for example, by the Spanish customs and border police Servicio de Vigilancia Aduanera. The technology is the same as in the easyRESCUE AIS-SART, except for the slightly weaker transmission power, which eliminates the MED/SOLAS approval.

The easy2-MOB complies with the latest AIS-MOB standard IEC63269:2022, which requires an arm/disarm switch and DSC alarm transmission including receipt of acknowledgement.

The easy2-MOB is simply packed "upside down" between the folded float of the automatic life jacket and knotted with the safety line to a loop or D-ring of the vest. For this purpose, the outer shell only has to be opened a small piece. No special fastening is required, which means that the MOB can be used in all common life jackets. To activate the automatic release, the yellow slider is pushed to the "armed" position.

Via Bluetooth connection from a smartphone with the free Weatherdock app (from iOS11, Android6), up to eight MMSI numbers (of one's own vessel, as well as vessels sailing in the same area) can be stored in the device. The app also provides a test and alarm history with date, time and position.

In a person-overboard situation, the life jacket inflates due to water contact. The easy2-MOB floats next to the swimmer and is activated automatically (alternatively, manual activation is possible). After a few seconds, the first transmission is made to the vessels whose MMSI is programmed in. The unit ID of the AIS MOB is transmitted first, since the unit has not yet determined a position. In this "close loop" step, the crews of the programmed vessels are made aware of the hazardous situation. As soon as the position determination is completed, they are informed again.

Parallel to the DSC transmission, an AIS distress message is sent out as soon as the position is determined. This can be received by any vessel with an AIS receiver within a radius of up to 7 nautical miles. The transmitted position data is updated every minute and retransmitted together with information on course and speed over ground.

If no acknowledgement is received from any of the programmed vessels within ten minutes of the "closed loop distress call", the easy2-MOB automatically switches to the "open loop distress call" and sends a distress signal to all vessels. This allows the distress call to reach a coastal station and trigger a rescue operation there. The easy2-MOB can receive confirmation of the "distress call", which results in the shutdown of further DSC transmissions.

Six powerful red LEDs ensure that the MOB can also be used as an electronic flare. Especially at night, this makes finding the person in the water much easier.

Technical data:

• CE approval
  
• Storage temperature: -40°C to +70°C
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +55°C
• Battery life: over 12 hours at -20°C (longer at higher temperature)
  
• Batteries: 2 lithium units (CR2)
  
• Frequencies / Transmitting powers: AIS: 161.75 and 162.025 MHz (1 W). DSC: 156.525 MHz (0.5 W)
  
• Dimensions: 195 x 50 x 32 mm
  
• Weight: 120 g
  

Accessories (see bottom of page under "Accessories"):

The optional holder allows the MOB to be attached to the companionway, for example, so that it is within easy reach.

The refit kit can be used to put the MOB back into operational readiness after activation. The trigger tablet in the MOB should also be replaced at least once a year.