30 May 2024
Wescom Group’s new sMRT V300 Class M Man Overboard emergency distress beacon is now available worldwide. Its first public viewing was at the Navalia Ship Building Exhibition in Vigo, which took place May 21-23.
The sMRT V300 is the latest in the new series of emergency distress beacons from Wescom Group. A commercial-grade man-overboard device, the sMRT V300 offers an extended signalling range to enhance localised man-overboard alerting, locating and recovery. With automatic water activation technology, audible and visual indicators, and multiple fixing options for life jackets, this exciting new device will be manufactured at Wescom Group’s state-of-the-art facility in Hull, UK.
The innovative features of the sMRT V300 include two-way signalling, real-time location tracking via AIS (Automatic Identification System), a 121.5MHz homing frequency, and the use of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) to alert nearby vessels to calls for help. The sMRT V300 represents the latest development in the sMRT commercial distress beacon range, which has served as the backbone of offshore and oil and gas marine safety for over a decade.
The sMRT V300 is also one of the first commercial products on the market designed to meet the new Class M regulation ECC Decision (22)02, which will restrict AIS-only MOB device use of core AIS channels in certain countries from January 2025. Only Class M devices such as the sMRT V300 – those with GNSS and internal DSC receiver - will be compliant with the new regulations.
Wescom Group’s VP Marine Sales David Duffin stated: “The sMRT V300 is a step forward in man overboard beacon technology building on MRT’s class-leading offshore distress beacon range. The sMRT V300 meets the latest Class M AIS/DSC requirements and is easy to fit to lifejackets and has accelerated alerting features including water activation. Following on from the successful launch of the award-winning sMRT ALERT MOB, Wescom Group’s electronics division continues to drive safety and security in the harshest marine environments.”
The sMRT V300 costs from £360 RRP and is now available to order worldwide through Wescom Group’s network of international distributors.