MARITIME technology innovator MARSS has successfully completed Phase 3 testing of the ISO 21195 standard for its automated man-overboard (MOB) detection systems, MOBtronic.
The certification is a rigorous, internationally recognised benchmark, designed to verify real-world performance and reliability on operating vessels.
MARSS program manager for man overboard systems Marco Cappelletti said the system’s success rate exceeded the ISO’s minimum requirement of 95% probability of detection.
“This certification validates the years of research and real-world testing that have gone into making MOBtronic the most trusted man-overboard detection system available,” he said.
“From controlled laboratory testing to extended trials on an operational vessel, each step has confirmed that MOBtronic delivers the performance, reliability and assurance operators rightly expect.”
Phase 3 was the final and “most demanding step” in the certification, which required full installation of a system on an operational vessel. It is then tested for long-term performance monitoring under live conditions.
MOBtronic was installed on a vessel operating in the Mediterranean, with testing conducted and witnessed by an independent classification body.
The latest result followed phases 1 and 2, which verified technical and controlled-environment performance.
The assessment included more than 90 days of continuous operation, during which the system automatically logged and categorised all events to measure false-alarm rates.
MOBtronic recorded an average of 0.45 false alarms per day, well within ISO requirements of an average of fewer than one false alarm per day.
Each alarm was immediately displayed to the ship’s crew via the onboard console, providing instant video replay to verify the cause.
Any false alarms — typically caused by environmental factors such as ship operations, birds or cleaning activities — were confirmed and ruled out by the crew to prevent any operational disruption.
As part of an extended monitoring period, MARSS and the independent classification body also conducted more than 100 controlled test launches simulating man-overboard events in multiple positions around the vessel.
Testing was completed at different distances from the hull, with different speed of fall, and at all times during the day and night.
“The completion of Phases 1, 2 and 3 set a major milestone in our path towards improving maritime safety and is the result of more than 10 years of R&D and experience with deployed MOBtronic installations around the world,” Mr Cappelletti said.
“Our focus now is twofold — supporting operators with deployments and continuing to advance MOBtronic through sustained development to further enhance safety at sea.”
According to MARSS, the system provides crews with real-time replay, GPS position and alert data, enabling faster search and rescue responses and improving the chances of successful recovery.
MARSS is now working closely with industry authorities and stakeholders to support the adoption of ISO-validated MOB systems across the global cruise and passenger shipping sectors.