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Enhancing Maritime Safety: The Importance of Man Overboard Markers

Enhancing Maritime Safety: The Importance of Man Overboard Markers

In maritime safety, the Man Overboard Marker (MOB) stands as a crucial device, strategically fitted on the outboard side of a ship's bridge wing and securely attached to a lifebuoy.

In the event of a crew member or passenger falling overboard, this innovative tool becomes the beacon of hope, swiftly deployed by onboard personnel to mark the precise location for a prompt and efficient rescue operation.

Key Features of the MOB Marker

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations mandate the installation of at least one MOB marker on each bridgewing. The MOB marker is intricately connected to a lifebuoy weighing 4kg via a lanyard. Designed for both automatic and manual release, the MOB marker becomes a lifeline during emergency situations.

Upon release, the MOB marker gracefully descends into the sea, transforming the surrounding waters into a spectacle of safety. Emitting dense orange smoke for a minimum of 15 minutes, it ensures visibility in challenging conditions.

Additionally, two lights burn for at least 2 hours, serving as a beacon during both day and night, further enhancing its effectiveness.

The Operational Requirements

Complying with SOLAS standards, MOB markers must be operable from a mounting height of at least 30 meters, facilitating their deployment across various ship configurations.

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The chemical magic behind these markers involves potassium chlorate as the primary ingredient. Through a carefully orchestrated chemical reaction with other components, potassium chlorate generates the dense orange smoke that is a hallmark of MOB markers.

Transportation Regulations

When transported as cargo by sea, MOB markers fall under the classification criteria of explosives and must adhere to the IMDG Code regulations. Some MOB markers are classified as UN 0507 Class 1.4S or UN 0197 Class 1.4G.

However, it's essential to note that MOB markers fitted onboard vessels and stored as part of life-saving appliances are exempt from the IMDG Code.
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This exemption is outlined in Regulation 2 of SOLAS Chapter VII Part A (Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Packaged Form), highlighting that the provisions of this part do not apply to ships' stores and equipment.
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