App of the Month: Man Overboard
The Man Overboard app for iPhone from Intelligent Maintenance is super simple to use.
Hit the MOB button. Use the on-screen coordinates to call in to the Coast Guard. Follow the big on-screen arrow to get back to the MOB point. This app does its
job.
IM CEO and sailor Adrian Stanway says, “A man overboard situation happens more often than you think. A simple trip on some deck clutter; a knock from the boom; leaning back on a lifeline that snaps. Suddenly someone’s in the water.” “The problem is that even at quite low speeds, the boat can be 500 yards from the person in less than a minute. The remaining crew just cannot see the person at that distance and against the background of waves. It’s always life threatening and sadly, often fatal.”
This app is also helpful to use as a man-overboard practice aid. All boaters know they should practice MOB techniques regularly but few actually get round to doing it. The app can make it fun to practice, especially for young people for whom using apps is second nature. A popular way is to use a couple of fenders tied together to take the role of the MOB.
Available for $1.99 for the iPhone and iPad from the App Store.
