PBO reader Mark Taylor is concerned that not enough is being done to alert UK boat owners who, like him, are still buying non-DSC automatic identification system AIS devices, only to find the technology is to be phased out.

He said: “Having quite recently fitted my lifejackets with non-DSC AIS devices I am annoyed about this and do not intend to dump them.

“I bought these two devices for around £440 after discussing MOB options with RLNI crew members.”

He added: “The changes seem quite necessary and sensible but unfortunately they apply to existing devices such as AIS MOB devices which we will no longer be allowed to use.

“Despite this, such devices are still widely available to buy, even in Ireland where these changes have already been enacted.

“AIS devices that incorporate DSC are currently available but of course, at a higher cost.

“If you are about to buy a MOB device, make sure it can handle (DSC) Ch70 in order to futureproof your systems.”

I've been following this saga as I wanted to add two more MOB AIS devices as I'm expecting more guests this year. Whilst I think the concept is absolutely brilliant I didn't want to pay double the price for the newer version, and was reassured by this bulletin on the Ocean Signal website:

Technical Bulletin 

My understanding is that current MOB AIS devices won't stop working, but they will be in breach of the regulations when they come into force (already in force in Ireland and some EU countries, UK doesn't have a date yet).

However Ocean Signal, probably a bit miffed by the dent in sales this might cause, draw the reader's attention to Regiulation 1.3 of SOLAS:

3 No provision in this chapter shall prevent the use by any ship, survival craft or person in distress, of any means at their disposal to attract attention, make known their position and obtain help

with the clear inference (they would. wouldn't they) that you are unlikely to be prosecuted for using a non-compliant MOB unit in a genuine emergency.

I do hope this is correct as I lashed out on two more of their excellent MOB1 units and am just setting them up now, on the basis that in my view they are far more useful to a coastal sailor than a PLB or EPIRB as long as he or she has a competent friend on the boat who can drive it back to the AIS distress marker rather than waiting for the lifeboat (I have a PLB for when I'm solo).

But if others have better intel on these changes I would love to hear it.