iPhone Man Overboard App from Intelligent Maintenance

Intelligent Maintenance offers a simple, focused iPhone app designed to help in man overboard (MOB) situations. The app provides an immediate way to mark a MOB location, see precise coordinates, and follow directional guidance back to the point where a person went overboard. It is intended as a practical tool to support on-water rescue efforts when a phone and cellular connectivity are available.

How the App Works

The core operation is straightforward: when a MOB event occurs, tap the MOB button in the app. The app immediately captures and displays the GPS coordinates for that location and shows an arrow on-screen that indicates the direction back to the MOB point. The app is also set up so you can quickly call the Coast Guard and provide them with the coordinates displayed on the screen.

Key features

• One-touch MOB marker that records current coordinates.
• On-screen directional arrow that points to the MOB location.
• Quick access to call emergency services with coordinates at hand.

Usage Notes and Limitations

Because the app runs on an iPhone, it depends on the phone’s GPS and cellular capabilities. For the app to place and relay coordinates or to make a voice call, the boat must be within cellphone range. GPS coordinate capture typically works without cellular service, but any call to emergency services requires a signal. Users should confirm on their own device that GPS is functioning and that the app has permission to access location services.

The app is not a substitute for dedicated marine safety gear, professional navigation systems, or established emergency procedures. It is a supporting tool meant to augment standard safety practices and to provide an easily accessible way to record and share position data in an emergency.

Practical Tips for Boaters

• Before leaving the dock, make sure the phone is charged, has location services enabled for the app, and is stored in a waterproof or protective case if possible.
• Brief your crew on where the phone and the app are kept and how to activate the MOB button quickly.
• Practice basic MOB drills regularly so that crew members know how to respond and can use the app under stress.
• Do not rely solely on a single device—use lifejackets, throwable flotation, visual lookout, and VHF radio as primary safety measures.
• Confirm the app’s coordinates visually with landmarks and the vessel’s instruments when possible.

Availability and Cost

The app is available on the App Store for a modest one-time purchase price of $1.99. Search the App Store on your iPhone to find and download the application. For reference, the app was featured in the April 2013 issue of boating publications and has been presented as a straightforward safety aid for recreational boating situations.

Final Thoughts

Intelligent Maintenance’s MOB app is an inexpensive, easy-to-use tool that can add a layer of situational awareness during a man overboard emergency. While it cannot replace formal safety equipment or procedures, it can help quickly preserve and communicate a location and guide a rescue effort when a phone and cellular service are available. Combining this app with routine safety planning and proper equipment can improve preparedness and response on the water.

April 2013 issue