Support: May 30, 2003

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As expected, the test of MOBI (Man Overboard Indicator) in U.S. Navy ships was a success. All of the sailors asked of their reaction to MOBI recommended that the entire fleet get the device. So, in a $30 million program, 70,000 of the pager size devices will be distributed to 200 ships. Each ship will also receive two signal receivers and three direction finders. The MOBI devices are attached to the lifejackets sailors wear when on duty in situations where they could be tossed overboard. When the MOBI device is submerged in salt water, it emits a signal that the signal receivers on the bridge (where the ship is steered from) receives and sets off an alarm. Sailors on deck or in a rescue boat (or helicopter) can use the direction finders to determine where the sailor overboard is. This makes rescue a lot easier, and, perhaps most importantly, provides sailors topside in bad weather with some peace of mind.