Jersey fishermen are among the first to adopt the RNLI-developed MOB Guardian safety system.

Developed over several years especially for fishing, the most dangerous industry in the world, the ‘man overboard’ equipment is now on sale to commercial fishermen with a boat of under 15m. Fishermen are loath to reveal their location for fear of losing a catch to a rival but this system combines safety with confidentiality. Its price is subsidised thanks to several grants.

MOB Guardian is unique in being connected directly to the RNLI. Once at sea, the onboard unit logs on by satellite link and reports its location regularly. If a report is missed and contact with the vessel cannot be made, details are passed to the Coastguard, and a search and rescue mission begins.

These first customers are now upgrading all their safety equipment, believing they will now have a fighting chance of survival. Fisherman Don Thompson explains: ‘It gives me peace of mind knowing that someone will be alerted that I’m in trouble and will come looking for me.

I have a family and I want to keep myself safe for them and give them reassurance every time I go off to work.’ See mobguardian.com, email [email protected] or phone 01202 663142 for more information.