Abstract: An emergency warning device (10) is disclosed which comprises an overboard detection device (15) arranged to determine when an overboard situation exists, a transmitter (14) for transmitting a warning signal indicative of an overboard situation, and a transmission control sensor (22) arranged to produce transmission control information indicative of whether the device is appropriately disposed for transmission of a warning signal. The device (10) is arranged to transmit the warning signal when an overboard situation is determined and when said transmission control information indicates that the device is appropriately disposed for transmission of a warning signal.

Abstract: A location device includes a location detection and processing module, preferably a global positioning device for receiving satellite signals. Module outputs position data in the form of a digitally encoded signal to a control processor coupled to an activation device. The processor processes the signal and provides a signal to a voice synthesizer in a form the synthesizer can recognize and converts to a voice data signal stating the position in terms of latitude and longitude. The synthesizer sends that signal to a transmitter which transmits the signal as an over the air voice signal. The control processor may send the digitally encoded voice data to a transmitter or to a transmitter for direct transmission to a central authority. The device may include an activation module for activating the device response to a specific stimulus.